Systems and methods for active cloud point adjustment and refrigeration cycles

ABSTRACT

The present invention pertains to systems, methods, and compositions for liquid phase change, including for active cloud point, e.g., critical solution temperature, adjustment and heating or cooling, e.g., refrigeration, cycles. In some embodiments heat is absorbed, released or both due to phase changes in a liquid system. Advantageously, the phase changes may be controlled by controlling the ingredients or amounts of certain components of the liquid system. Advantages may include lower capital expenditures, lower operating expenses, or both for a diverse and wide range of heating and cooling applications. Such applications include, for example, cooling of data centers, cooled transportation of goods, refrigeration, heat pumps, extractions, ocean thermal energy conversion, and de-icing of roads to name just a few.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The instant application claims priority to the following provisionalapplications each of which is incorporated by reference for U.S.purposes: 62/622,528 filed Jan. 26, 2018; 62/670,117 filed May 11, 2018;and 62/771,902 filed Nov. 27, 2018.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the prior art, cool or heat transfer is conducted through cooling andheating a liquid, such as water, and is almost entirely driven byspecific heat capacity. In other prior art, a refrigerant is employedwhere the refrigerant boils on the side requiring cooling and condenseson the side supplying the cooling, or, in the case of heating, therefrigerant working fluid boils on the side supplying heating andcondenses on the side requiring the heating. This often requiresexpensive refrigerant handling systems and becomes cost prohibitive fortransferring cold relatively long distances.

Additionally, both of said prior art systems do not typically transfercold or heat independent of the temperature or other conditions of theirsurroundings. If the working fluid in these cooling systems arrives atthe cooling application at the same temperature as the ambientsurroundings, the working fluids may lose most or all of the cool orheat provided to them at the cooling or heating input source or sources.For example, in a specific heat coolant based cooling system, if thecoolant heats up over the course of transfer to the cooling demandsource, for example, due to elevated temperatures surrounding thetransport pipe, the coolant loses a significant amount or all of itscooling potential upon arriving at the application requiring cooling. Asa result, there are significant limitations to the distance a specificheat can be transported while maintaining its ability to cool. The sameis true for heat transfer systems, except, for example, the losses dueto surroundings heating the working fluid are substituted with lossesdue to the surroundings cooling the working fluid.

Additionally, the CAPEX and OPEX of specific heat coolant or heattransfer systems become very costly with distance traveled, including,but not limited, due to the progressively larger relative liquid volumesrequired with larger transport distances and the cost of insulatedpiping or other components. Similarly, with refrigerant based coolants,if the condensed refrigerant is heated by its surroundings duringtransportation to the cooling demand source, at least a portion of therefrigerant may evaporate or volatilize, resulting in reduced ornon-existent cooling capacity upon arrival at the cooling application.The same is true for heat transfer systems, except, for example, thelosses may be due to working fluid condensation rather thanvolatilization. Also, similarly, with refrigerant based coolants or heattransfer fluids, the CAPEX and OPEX becomes very costly with distancetraveled, including, but not limited, due to the progressively largerworking fluid flow rates per unit of cooling capacity required withlarger distances, the cost of insulated piping, and the precautions andhazards associated with refrigerants. Accordingly, there is a need inthe art for more effective systems and processes for both cooling andheating applications.

Advantageously, the embodiments described herein overcome many or all ofthe aforementioned deficiencies in the prior art and have their ownindependent advantages as well. There are many embodiments which are setforth in detail below. Certain embodiments pertain to refrigerationcycles while others pertain to adjustment of active cloud point, i.e.,critical solution temperature. Additionally, novel compositionscomprising various critical solution temperature reagents and the likeare described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-D: Figures showing liquid phase change system for heating orcooling transfer.

FIGS. 2A-G: Figures showing liquid phase change system for heating orcooling transfer.

FIG. 3: Figure showing liquid phase change system for heating or coolingtransfer.

FIG. 4: Figure showing refrigeration or heat pump cycle.

FIGS. 5A-E: Figures showing refrigeration or heat pump cycle.

FIGS. 6A-C: Figures showing refrigeration or heat pump cycle.

FIG. 7: Figure showing refrigeration or heat pump cycle.

FIG. 8: Figure showing refrigeration or heat pump cycle.

FIG. 9: Figure showing a multi-stage or multi-cycle refrigeration cycle.

FIG. 10: Figure showing refrigeration or heat pump cycle.

FIG. 11: Figure showing refrigeration or heat pump cycle.

FIG. 12: Figure showing refrigeration or heat pump cycle.

FIG. 13: General figure showing cooling transfer using UCST phase changeliquids with liquid-liquid separation.

FIG. 14: General figure showing cooling transfer using LCST phase changeliquids with liquid-liquid separation.

FIG. 15: General figure showing heating transfer using LCST phase changeliquids and liquid-liquid separation.

FIG. 16: General figure showing heating transfer using UCST phase changeliquids and liquid-liquid separation.

FIG. 17: General figure showing cooling transfer using UCST phase changeliquids while maintaining single liquid mixture.

FIG. 18: General figure showing cooling transfer using LCST phase changeliquids while maintaining single liquid mixture.

FIG. 19: General figure showing heating transfer using LCST phase changeliquids while maintaining single liquid mixture.

FIG. 20: General figure showing heating transfer using UCST phase changeliquids while maintaining single liquid mixture.

FIG. 21A: Ocean or Other Thermocline or Cold Water Body CoolingTransport using UCST phase change liquids and liquid-liquid separation(Note: Side of objects may enlarged relative to size of water body ordepth of water body to ensure they can be seen).

FIG. 21B: Ocean or Other Thermocline or Cold Water Body CoolingTransport using UCST phase change liquids with single liquid mixture(Note: Side of objects may enlarged relative to size of water body ordepth of water body to ensure they can be seen).

FIG. 21C: Ocean or Other Thermocline or Cold Water Body CoolingTransport using LCST phase change liquids with single liquid mixture(Note: Side of objects may enlarged relative to size of water body ordepth of water body to ensure they can be seen).

FIG. 22A: Road or Surface Heating or Deicing Employing LCST withLiquid-Liquid Separation and Liquid Storage—Embodiment operating in‘heat absorption’ mode.

FIG. 22B: Road or Surface Heating or Deicing Employing LCST withLiquid-Liquid Separation and Liquid Storage—Embodiment operating in‘heat release’ mode.

FIG. 23A: Road or Surface Heating or Deicing Employing LCST solubilitychange liquids with Liquid-Liquid Separation comprising using relatively‘warm’ water body underneath, for example, floating ice layer, as heatsource.

FIG. 23B (Above): Road or Surface Heating or Deicing Employing LCSTsolubility change liquids with Single Liquid Stream comprising usingrelatively ‘warm’ water body underneath, for example, floating icelayer, as heat source.

FIG. 24: Cooling Phase Change Regenerated Osmotic Heat Engine EmployingUCST solubility change liquids with Liquid-Liquid Separation.

FIG. 25: Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) Cooling Phase ChangeRegenerated Osmotic Heat Engine Employing UCST solubility change liquidswith Liquid-Liquid Separation. (Note: Process elements in figure may notshown to scale relative to depth in water body).

FIG. 26: Heating Phase Change Regenerated Osmotic Heat Engine EmployingLCST solubility change liquids with Liquid-Liquid Separation.

FIG. 27: Systems & Methods for Deicing Roads and Surfaces usingAntifreeze or UCST or LCST or Combination Thereof Fluid Stored or HeatExchanged or Combination Thereof Beneath the Surface of a Water Body.

FIG. 28: Systems & Methods for Deicing Roads and Surfaces usingAntifreeze or UCST or LCST or Combination Thereof Fluid Stored or HeatExchanged or Combination Thereof Beneath the Surface of a Water BodyFurther Comprising a Heat Pump.

FIG. 29: Systems & Methods for Deicing Roads and Surfaces using LCSTMulti-Layer Solution in One or More Storage Tanks Beneath the Surface ofa Water Body.

FIG. 30: Systems & Methods for Deicing Roads and Surfaces using LCSTMulti-Layer Solution in One or More Storage Tanks Beneath the Surface ofa Water Body with Utilized Heat Exchange Fluid Storage Vessel.

FIG. 31: Systems & Methods for Deicing Roads and Surfaces using LCSTHeat Absorption and Release. Each Liquid Phase Stored in SeparateSubsurface Storage Vessels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Description of FIGS. 1-12

FIG. 1A: The present figure may comprise a liquid phase change systemfor heating or cooling transfer. The system may employ separation ofmulti-liquid mixture into two or more constituent liquid phases and mayemploy active adjustment in liquid system cloud point temperature by,for example, changing the concentration of one or more reagents using,for example, one or more membrane-based processes. The presentembodiment may comprise a Lower Critical Solution Temperature (LCST)liquid system phase change heating or cooling transfer system. Thepresent embodiment may be capable of actively tailoring the temperatureof one or more cloud points or maintaining the same cloud pointtemperature(s) in the liquid system. For example, the present figure maybe showing an active decrease of LCST by, for example, increasing theconcentration of one or more ‘LCST influencing reagents’ or ‘LCSTreducing reagents’ (for example: salts) in one or more of the separatedliquid phases.

FIG. 1B: The present figure may comprise a liquid phase change systemfor heating or cooling transfer. The system may employ active adjustmentin liquid system cloud point temperature by, for example, changing theconcentration of one or more reagents using, for example, one or moremembrane-based processes. The present embodiment may comprise a LowerCritical Solution Temperature (LCST) liquid system phase change heatingor cooling transfer system. The present embodiment may be capable ofactively adjusting of one or more cloud point temperatures ormaintaining the same cloud point temperature(s). For example, thepresent figure may show an active decrease of LCST by, for example,increasing the concentration of one or more ‘LCST influencing reagents’or ‘LCST reducing reagents’ (for example: salts), in for example, acombined solution.

FIG. 1C: The present figure may comprise a liquid phase change systemfor heating or cooling transfer. The system may employ separation ofmulti-liquid mixture into two or more constituent liquid phases and mayemploy active tailoring of one or more liquid system cloud pointtemperatures by, for example, changing the concentration of one or morereagents using, for example, one or more membrane-based processes. Thepresent embodiment may comprise a Lower Critical Solution Temperature(LCST) liquid system phase change heating or cooling transfer system.The present embodiment may be capable of actively tailoring one or morecloud point temperatures or maintaining the same cloud point temperatureor temperatures. For example, the present figure may be showing anactive increase of LCST by, for example, decreasing or diluting theconcentration of one or more “LCST influencing reagents’ or ‘LCSTreducing reagents’ (for example: salts) in one or more of the separatedliquid phases by, for example, adding permeate liquid or permeateequivalent liquid.

FIG. 1D: The present figure may comprise a liquid phase change systemfor heating or cooling transfer. The system may employ separation ofmulti-liquid mixture into two or more constituent liquid phases and mayemploy active adjustment of one or more liquid system cloud pointtemperatures by, for example, changing the concentration of one or morereagents using, for example, one or more membrane-based processes. Thepresent embodiment may comprise a Lower Critical Solution Temperature(LCST) liquid system phase change heating or cooling transfer system.The present embodiment may be capable of actively adjusting one or morecloud point temperatures or maintaining the same cloud pointtemperature. For example, the present figure may be showing the systemmaintaining the same cloud point temperature by, for example, allowingthe concentration of one or more ‘LCST influencing reagents’ or ‘LCSTreducing reagents’ (for example: salts) to remain unchanged. Forexample, one or more liquid streams may bypass one or more steps toadjust the concentration of one or more reagents.

FIG. 2A: The present figure may comprise a liquid phase change systemfor heating or cooling transfer. The system may employ separation of amulti-liquid mixture into two or more constituent liquid phases and mayemploy active adjustment of one or more liquid system cloud pointtemperatures by, for example, changing the concentration of one or morereagents using, for example, one or more membrane-based processes. Thepresent embodiment may comprise an Upper Critical Solution Temperature(UCST) liquid system phase change heating or cooling transfer system.The present embodiment may be capable of actively adjusting one or morecloud point temperatures or maintaining the same cloud pointtemperature. For example, the present figure may show an active decreaseof UCST by, for example, increasing the concentration of, for example,one or more reagents which decrease UCST with increasing concentration.The adjustment of one or more cloud point temperatures may be conducted,for example, by adjusting concentration or composition in the combinedsingle liquid phase solution produced by or following one or more ‘heatabsorption’ steps.

FIG. 2B: The present figure may comprise a liquid phase change systemfor heating or cooling transfer. The system may employ active adjustmentin liquid system cloud point temperature by, for example, changing theconcentration of one or more reagents using, for example, one or moremembrane-based processes. The present embodiment may comprise an UpperCritical Solution Temperature (UCST) liquid system phase change heatingor cooling transfer system. The present embodiment may be capable ofactively adjusting one or more cloud point temperatures or maintainingthe same cloud point temperature. For example, the present figure mayshow an active decrease of UCST by, for example, increasing theconcentration of, for example, one or more reagents which decrease UCSTwith increasing concentration. The adjustment of one or more cloud pointtemperatures may be conducted, for example, by adjusting concentrationor composition in, for example, a combined single liquid phase solutionproduced by or following one or more ‘heat absorption’ steps.

FIG. 2C: The present figure may comprise a liquid phase change systemfor heating or cooling transfer. The system may employ separation of amulti-liquid mixture into two or more constituent liquid phases and mayemploy active adjustment in liquid system cloud point temperature by,for example, changing the concentration of one or more reagents using,for example, one or more membrane-based processes. The presentembodiment may comprise an Upper Critical Solution Temperature (UCST)liquid system phase change heating or cooling transfer system. Thepresent embodiment may be capable of actively tailoring one or morecloud point temperatures or maintaining the same cloud pointtemperature. For example, the present figure may show an active increaseof UCST by, for example, diluting or decreasing the concentration of,for example, one or more reagents which decrease UCST with increasingconcentration by, for example, the addition of permeate or permeateequivalent liquid to the liquid system. The adjustment of one or morecloud point temperatures may be conducted, for example, by adjustingconcentration or composition in the combined single liquid phasesolution produced by or following one or more ‘heat absorption’ steps.

FIG. 2D: The present figure may comprise a liquid phase change systemfor heating or cooling transfer. The system may employ separation of amulti-liquid mixture into two or more constituent liquid phases and mayemploy active adjustment in liquid system cloud point temperature by,for example, changing the concentration of one or more reagents using,for example, one or more membrane-based processes. The presentembodiment may comprise an Upper Critical Solution Temperature (UCST)liquid system phase change heating or cooling transfer system. Thepresent embodiment may be capable of actively tailoring one or morecloud point temperatures or maintaining the same cloud pointtemperature. For example, the present figure may show maintaining thesame UCST by, for example, allowing one or more liquid streams to bypassone or more steps for adjusting composition or concentration.

FIG. 2E: The present figure may comprise a liquid phase change systemfor heating or cooling transfer. The system may employ active change inliquid system cloud point temperature by, for example, changing theconcentration of one or more reagents using, for example, one or moremembrane-based processes. The present embodiment may comprise an UpperCritical Solution Temperature (UCST) liquid system phase change heatingor cooling transfer system. The present embodiment may be capable ofactively adjusting one or more cloud point temperatures or maintainingthe same cloud point temperature. For example, the present figure mayshow an active decrease of UCST by, for example, increasing theconcentration of, for example, one or more reagents which decrease UCSTwith increasing concentration. The adjustment of one or more cloud pointtemperatures may be conducted, for example, by adjusting concentrationor composition in one or more liquid streams at least partiallyseparated from a multi-liquid phase mixture. Said one or more liquidstreams may be combined with other separated liquid streams before orwithin the one or more heat exchangers with one or more applicationsrequiring heating or cooling.

FIG. 2F: The present figure may comprise a liquid phase change systemfor heating or cooling transfer. The system may employ active change inliquid system cloud point temperature by, for example, changing theconcentration of one or more reagents using, for example, one or moremembrane-based processes. The present embodiment may comprise an UpperCritical Solution Temperature (UCST) liquid system phase change heatingor cooling transfer system. The present embodiment may be capable ofactively adjusting one or more cloud point temperatures or maintainingthe same cloud point temperature. For example, the present figure mayshow an active increase of UCST by, for example, diluting or decreasingthe concentration of, for example, one or more reagents which decreaseUCST with increasing concentration by, for example, adding permeate orpermeate equivalent liquid. The adjustment of one or more cloud pointtemperatures may be conducted, for example, by adjusting concentrationor composition in one or more liquid streams separated from themulti-liquid phase mixture. Said one or more liquid streams may becombined with other separated liquid streams before or within the one ormore heat exchangers heat exchanging with one or more applicationsrequiring heating or cooling.

FIG. 2G: The present figure may comprise a liquid phase change systemfor heating or cooling transfer. The system may employ active adjustmentin one or more liquid system cloud point temperatures by, for example,changing the concentration of one or more reagents using, for example,one or more membrane-based processes. The present embodiment maycomprise an Upper Critical Solution Temperature (UCST) liquid systemphase change heating or cooling transfer system. The present embodimentmay be capable of actively tailoring one or more cloud pointtemperatures or maintaining the same cloud point temperature. Forexample, the present figure may show maintaining the same UCST by, forexample, allowing one or more liquid streams to bypass one or more stepsto adjust the concentration or composition.

FIG. 3: The present figure may comprise a liquid phase change system forheating or cooling transfer. The system may employ active adjustment inliquid system cloud point temperature by, for example, changing theconcentration of one or more reagents using, for example, one or moremembrane-based processes. The present embodiment may comprise an UpperCritical Solution Temperature (UCST) liquid system phase change heatingor cooling transfer system. The present embodiment may be capable ofactively change in one or more cloud point temperatures or maintainingthe same cloud point temperature. For example, the present figure mayshow an active increase of UCST by, for example, increasing theconcentration of, for example, one or more reagents which increase UCSTwith increasing concentration (‘UCST Increasing Reagent’). Theadjustment of one or more cloud point temperatures may be conducted, forexample, by adjusting concentration or composition in the combinedsingle liquid phase solution produced by or following one or more ‘heatabsorption’ steps.

FIG. 4: The present figure may comprise a refrigeration cycle or heatpump cycle. The present embodiment may employ one or more reversibleendothermic and exothermic phase transitions of a liquid system toextract heat from one or more heat exchangers and/or release heat in oneor more heat exchangers. The one or more reversible phase transitionsmay comprise endothermic or exothermic phase transitions. The presentembodiment may involve adjusting the concentration or composition of oneor more ‘cloud point temperature influencing reagents’ to, for example,form an endothermic (heat absorbing) phase transition at a relativelylower temperature and may involve, for example, adjusting theconcentration or composition of one or more ‘cloud point temperatureinfluencing reagents’ to, for example, form an exothermic (heatreleasing) phase transition at a relatively higher temperature.

For example, the present embodiment may involve mixing a single liquidphase solution lean in one or more LCST reducing reagents with asolution concentrated in one or more LCST reducing reagents, which mayresult in an endothermic phase change into a two or more liquid phasemixture while, for example, absorbing heat from one or more applicationsrequiring heat extraction. The resulting multi-liquid phase mixture maybe separated into two or more liquid streams. One or more of said liquidstreams may be concentrated using one or more membrane-based processes,which may result in a stream concentrated in one or more LCST reducingreagents and may result in a permeate stream lean or free of one or moreLCST reducing reagents. Said permeate stream may be mixed with one ormore other separated streams, which may result in exothermicdissolution, which may form, for example, a single liquid phase. Saidexothermic dissolution may involve releasing heat to one or applicationsrequiring heating or a heat sink during or after dissolution.

FIG. 5A: The present figure may comprise a refrigeration cycle or heatpump cycle. The present embodiment may employ one or more reversibleendothermic and exothermic phase transitions of a liquid system toextract heat from one or more heat exchangers and/or release heat intoone or more heat exchangers. The one or more reversible phasetransitions may comprise endothermic or exothermic phase transitions.The present embodiment may involve adjusting the concentration orcomposition of one or more ‘cloud point temperature influencingreagents’ to, for example, form an endothermic (heat absorbing) phasetransition at a relatively lower temperature and may involve, forexample, adjusting the concentration or composition of one or more‘cloud point temperature influencing reagents’ to, for example, form anexothermic (heat releasing) phase transition at a relatively highertemperature.

For example, the present embodiment may involve mixing a single liquidphase combined solution concentrated in one or more CST reagents withone or more UCST increasing reagents (for example: ‘permeate’ orpermeate equivalent liquid), which may result in an exothermic phasechange into a multi-liquid phase mixture while, for example, releasingheat into one or more applications requiring heating or heat sinks. Saidmulti-liquid phase solution may be separated using one or more liquidseparation devices, which may result in two or more liquid streams. Oneor more of said liquid streams may be a feed stream into one or moremembrane processes, which may involve concentrating one or more reagentswhich decrease UCST phase change temperature with increasingconcentration. Said one or more membrane based processes may result inone or more concentrate solutions with a higher concentration of one ormore reagents which decrease UCST with increasing concentration and mayresult in one or more permeate solutions containing a low concentrationof or free of one or more reagents which decrease UCST with increasingconcentration. Said concentrate solution may be mixed with one or moreother separated liquid phase streams, which may result in an endothermicdissolution phase change into a single liquid phase combined solution,for example, before or while absorbing heat from one or moreapplications requiring cooling or an enthalpy source. Said combinedsolution and said permeate solution may be returned to the first step.

FIG. 5B: Figure is similar to FIG. 5A. In the present figure, one ormore separated liquid streams may be divided into one or more separateliquid streams. For example, a liquid stream of one composition may bedivided into two or more liquid streams of the same composition. One ormore of said liquid streams may be employed in one or more differentstages of the present embodiment.

The present figure may show a single liquid stream of the samecomposition being divided into two liquid streams of the samecomposition. One liquid stream may be employed to facilitate endothermicdissolution phase change and the other liquid stream may be employed tofacilitate exothermic multi-liquid phase forming phase change.

FIG. 5C: Figure is similar to FIG. 5A. In the present figure, two ormore liquid streams may be combined or mixed separately or prior to orbefore entering one or more heat exchangers. The first merging, mixing,or combined of two or more liquid streams may be conducted in anapparatus separate from one or more heat exchangers.

FIG. 5D: Figure is similar to FIG. 5A. Energy recovery devices may beabsent in some process configurations. For example, including, but notlimited to, energy recovery devices may be undesirable if the value ofspace/footprint is greater than the value of reduced energy consumptionfrom an energy recovery device or due to limited energy recoverypotential or a combination thereof.

FIG. 5E: Figure is similar to FIG. 5A. In the present figure, one ormore liquid-liquid mixtures may be concentrated or separated or acombination thereof directly by one or more semi-permeable membranes.The present figure may function without a liquid-liquid separationdevice before one or more membrane-based processes. The present figuremay employ one or more heat exchangers within or in exchange with one ormore membrane-based processes because, for example, the multi-liquidphase concentrate/retentate may undergo dissolution (which may beendothermic or exothermic) during the concentrating one or morereagents. One or more permeate streams produced in the presentembodiment may comprise a multi-liquid phase mixture.

FIG. 6A: The present figure may comprise a refrigeration cycle or heatpump cycle. The present embodiment may employ one or more reversibleendothermic and exothermic phase transitions of a liquid system toextract heat from one or more heat exchangers and/or release heat in oneor more heat exchangers. The one or more reversible phase transitionsmay comprise endothermic or exothermic phase transitions. The presentembodiment may involve adjusting the concentration or composition of oneor more ‘cloud point temperature influencing reagents’ to, for example,form an endothermic (heat absorbing) phase transition at a relativelylower temperature and may involve, for example, adjusting theconcentration or composition of one or more ‘cloud point temperatureinfluencing reagents’ to, for example, form an exothermic (heatreleasing) phase transition at a relatively higher temperature.

For example, the present embodiment may involve concentrating a singleliquid phase combined solution feed using one or more membrane-basedprocesses. Said concentrating may employ nanofiltration to concentrateone or more CST reagents, which may than one or more concentratesolutions, which may comprise a greater concentration of one or more CSTreagents than said solution feed. Said concentrating may result in oneor more permeate streams. Said permeate stream or streams may comprisetwo or more reagents which may be insoluble or exhibit limitedsolubility in the absence of or with lower concentrations of said one ormore CST reagents. Said permeate stream may form two or more liquidphases in a liquid-liquid phase change. Said liquid-liquid phase changemay be endothermic or exothermic and may be heat exchanged with one ormore applications requiring cooling or heating before, during, or afteror a combination thereof said heat exchange. In the case of a UCST phasechange process, said liquid-liquid phase change into two or more liquidphases may be, for example, exothermic. Said one or more permeatestreams or a multi-liquid phase mixture permeate may be subsequentlymixed with said concentrate solution, resulting in an endothermic orexothermic dissolution, which may be heat exchanged with one or moreapplications requiring cooling or heating before, during, or after or acombination thereof said heat exchange.

FIG. 6B: Figure similar to FIG. 6A. The present embodiment may employone or more liquid-liquid separation devices to separate two or moreliquid phases in a multi-liquid phase permeate stream into separateliquid streams. A portion of one or more liquid streams may be mixedwith said concentrate before one or more other separated liquid phases.

FIG. 6C: Figure similar to FIG. 6A. The present embodiment may employone or more liquid-liquid separation devices to separate two or moreliquid phases in a multi-liquid phase permeate stream into separateliquid streams. A portion of one or more liquid streams may be mixedwith said concentrate before one or more other separated liquid phases.

FIG. 7: The present figure may comprise a refrigeration cycle or heatpump cycle. The present embodiment may employ one or more reversibleendothermic and exothermic phase transitions of a liquid system toextract heat from one or more heat exchangers and/or release heat in oneor more heat exchangers. The one or more reversible phase transitionsmay comprise endothermic or exothermic phase transitions. The presentembodiment may involve adjusting the concentration or composition of oneor more ‘cloud point temperature influencing reagents’ to, for example,form an endothermic (heat absorbing) phase transition at a relativelylower temperature and may involve, for example, adjusting theconcentration or composition of one or more ‘cloud point temperatureinfluencing reagents’ to, for example, form an exothermic (heatreleasing) phase transition at a relatively higher temperature.

The present figure may involve concentrating one or more UCST increasingreagents (reagents which may increase UCST with increasingconcentration) or one or more LCST decreasing reagents (reagents whichmay decrease LCST with increasing concentration) in a feed solutionusing one or more membrane-based processes. It may be desirable for oneor more UCST increasing reagents or LCST decreasing reagents to possessa higher molecular weight or larger hydration radius than one or more orall other constituent reagents in one or more feed solutions. Saidconcentrating may result in a concentrate solution possessing arelatively greater concentration of one or more UCST increasing reagentsor one or more LCST decreasing reagents than said feed solution. Saidconcentrate solution may phase change into a multi-liquid phase mixture,with, for example, at least one of said liquid phases in saidmulti-liquid phase mixture possessing a relatively greater concentrationof one or more UCST increasing reagents or LCST decreasing reagents.Said phase change may be exothermic or endothermic and may be heatexchanged with one or more applications requiring heating or coolingbefore, during, or after, or combination thereof said phase change. Saidconcentrating may also result in a permeate solution lean in or free ofsaid one or more UCST increasing reagents or LCST decreasing reagents.Next, said permeate stream may be mixed with said multi-liquid phasemixture concentrate stream, which may result in endothermic orexothermic dissolution and may result in the formation of a singleliquid phase combined solution. Said dissolution may be exothermic orendothermic and may be heat exchanged with one or more applicationsrequiring heating or cooling before, during, or after, or combinationthereof said dissolution. Said resulting single liquid phase solutionmay be returned to step 1 as a feed solution.

FIG. 8: The present figure may comprise a refrigeration cycle or heatpump cycle. The present embodiment may employ one or more reversibleendothermic and exothermic phase transitions of a liquid system toextract heat from one or more heat exchangers and/or release heat in oneor more heat exchangers. The one or more reversible phase transitionsmay comprise endothermic or exothermic phase transitions. The presentembodiment may involve adjusting the concentration or composition of oneor more ‘cloud point temperature influencing reagents’ to, for example,form an endothermic (heat absorbing) phase transition at a relativelylower temperature and may involve, for example, adjusting theconcentration or composition of one or more ‘cloud point temperatureinfluencing reagents’ to, for example, form an exothermic (heatreleasing) phase transition at a relatively higher temperature.

The present figure may involve concentrating one or more UCST increasingreagents using one or more membrane-based processes, which may include,but is not limited to, nanofiltration (NF). The feed solution in saidconcentrating may comprise a multi-liquid phase mixture. During saidconcentrating, the concentration of one or more CST reagents mayincrease in one or more concentrate or retentate solutions. Saidincreased concentration of one or more CST reagents may result in adecreased UCST, which may result in endothermic dissolution within theconcentrate/retentate and may result in a single liquid phaseconcentrate solution. Said endothermic dissolution may be heat exchangedwith one or more applications requiring cooling before, during, orafter, or combination thereof said endothermic dissolution. Saidconcentrating may also result in one or more permeate liquids, which maybe lean in or free of one or more CST reagents. Said single liquid phaseconcentrate solution may be mixed with said one or more permeate liquidsand may undergo a phase transition into a multi-liquid phase mixture.Said phase transition may be exothermic and may be heat exchanged withone or more applications requiring cooling before, during, or after, orcombination thereof said exothermic phase transition.

FIG. 9: The present figure may show an example of a multi-stage ormulti-cycle refrigeration cycle. Embodiments described or shown herein,which may include, but are not limited to, the embodiment shown in FIG.9, may employ the cold side of one refrigeration or heat pumpcycle/stage as the hot side of another refrigeration or heat pumpcycle/stage or vice versa. Embodiments described or shown herein, whichmay include, but are not limited to, the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, mayheat exchange the cold side of one refrigeration or heat pumpcycle/stage as the hot side of another refrigeration or heat pumpcycle/stage or vice versa. The ‘cold side’ may comprise one or more heatabsorbing sections and ‘hot side’ may comprise one or more ‘heatreleasing’ sections. By integrating multiple refrigeration or heat pumpcycles in heat exchange, the combined refrigeration or heat pump cyclemay have potential for greater temperature difference between hot andcold sides than the capacity of a single liquid system or of anindividual stage or of an individual cycle.

FIG. 10: The present figure may comprise a refrigeration cycle or heatpump cycle. Alternatively, the present embodiment may comprise a heatengine, wherein the compressor may be, for example, substituted for agenerator. Alternatively, the present embodiment may comprise a methodfor recovering or absorbing one or more gaseous vapors.

The present figure may involve a UCST phase change liquid system whereinone (or more) of the ‘low solubility reagent(s)’ may be volatile orpossess greater vapor pressure than one or more of the other constituentreagents of the liquid system. The present embodiment may benefit froman equilibrium vapor pressure shift, which may be developed from a UCSTphase transition, which may enable significantly more energy efficientrefrigeration or heat pumps or heat engines or a combination thereof andmay also reduce the required flow rate of liquid.

In, for example, the refrigeration cycle, the ‘evaporator’/heatabsorbing step may involve evaporating at least a portion of said ‘lowsolubility reagent(s)’ from a liquid phase comprising substantially ‘lowsolubility reagent’. As a liquid substantially comprising said ‘lowsolubility reagent’, the liquid may possess a greater partial vaporpressure of gas phase ‘low solubility reagent’ at the same temperaturecompared to, for example, ‘low solubility reagent’ in a solutioncontaining substantially one or more other reagents, in, for example,accordance with Raoult's Law. Said evaporated gas phase ‘low solubilityreagent(s)’ may be compressed and absorbed into an absorption solutionwhich may comprise UCST solvent and CST reagent, in for example, an‘absorption’/heat releasing step, which may form a combined solutioncomprising UCST solvent, CST reagent, and absorbed ‘low solubilityreagent’. Said absorption solution may possess a lower partial pressureof ‘low solubility reagent(s)’ relative to a condensed liquid ‘lowsolubility reagent(s)’ without the presence of said absorption solutionat the same temperature, which may enable less energy consumption in thecompression step relative to a prior art refrigerant refrigerationcycle. Said combined solution comprising UCST solvent, CST reagent, andabsorbed ‘low solubility reagent’ may be cooled below said combinedsolutions UCST phase transition temperature, which may result in amulti-liquid phase mixture. Said multi-liquid phase mixture may beseparated or remain combined. If separated, for example, said separationmay comprise one or more liquid-liquid separation steps, which mayresult in at least partially separated constituent liquid phases. One ofsaid at least partially separated constituent liquid phases may comprisea liquid phase comprising substantially ‘low solubility reagent’ and maybe transferred to the evaporation step. One of said at least partiallyseparated constituent liquid phases may comprise a liquid phasecomprising substantially UCST solvent and CST reagent and may betransferred to the absorbing step as, for example, a constituent of theabsorption solution.

Note: It is also important to note the dissolution of ‘low solubilityreagent’ in a solution which may comprise UCST solvent and CST reagentmay be endothermic if, for example, said ‘low solubility reagent’ is inthe liquid phase. In the present embodiment, the ‘low solubilityreagent’ may be absorbed from the gas phase. The enthalpy ofcondensation from the gas phase (exothermic) may exceed the enthalpy ofdissolution of ‘low solubility reagent’ (endothermic), however saidendothermic step or mechanism during the absorption process may reducethe amount of heat rejected during the ‘absorption’ step.

Note: UCST solvent, such as water, may also be employed as a volatilereagent in one or more of the present embodiments. For example, watermay comprise the more volatile reagent in a liquid system comprising,for example, propylene carbonate, polypropylene glycol 425, and water.For example, the UCST solvent may comprise liquid ammonia. For example,the process may involve a heat absorbing step which may compriseevaporating a portion of UCST solvent from a solution comprising UCSTsolvent and CST reagent, which may form gaseous UCST solvent and aremaining solution comprising, for example, a higher concentration ofCST reagent relative to UCST solvent. Said remaining solution may bemixed with liquid phase comprising substantially low-solubility reagent,which may form combined solution which may be employed as an absorptionsolution. Said UCST solvent gas may be compressed. Said compressed UCSTsolvent gas may be absorbed into said absorption solution in, forexample a heat releasing step, which may form a combined solutioncomprising UCST solvent, CST reagent, and ‘low solubility reagent’. Saidcombined solution may be phase transitioned into a multi-liquid phasemixture using, for example, cooling, the addition of one or morereagents, or the addition of permeate, or the addition of UCST solvent,or a combination thereof. Said multi-liquid phase mixture may beseparated or remain combined. If separated, for example, said separationmay comprise one or more liquid-liquid separation steps, which mayresult in at least partially separated constituent liquid phases. One ofsaid at least partially separated constituent liquid phases may comprisea liquid phase comprising substantially ‘low solubility reagent’ and maybe transferred to the mixing step to form the absorption solution. Oneof said at least partially separated constituent liquid phases maycomprise a liquid phase comprising substantially UCST solvent and CSTreagent and may be transferred to the evaporation/heat absorbing step.

-   -   1) The present embodiment may involve absorbing a vapor of one        or more volatile reagents into an absorption solution with which        said one or more volatile reagents form a combined solution with        a UCST or LCST. Said absorbing may release heat, which may be        heat exchanged with, for example, one or more applications        requiring heating, or one or more heat sinks, or evaporative        cooling, or a combination thereof.    -   2) The present embodiment may further comprise cooling or        heating said combined solution below or above, respectively,        said UCST or LCST, respectively, which may result in the        formation of a multi-liquid (or supercritical) phase mixture        (multi-phase mixture).    -   3) Said multi-phase mixture may be at least in part separated        using, for example, one or more liquid-liquid or coalescer or        density driven, or a combination thereof separation methods. One        or more phases separated phases from said multi-phase mixture        may comprise substantially ‘absorption solution’ from step ‘1)’,        which may be returned to step ‘1)’. One or more phases separated        phases from said multi-phase mixture may comprise substantially        ‘absorption solution’ from step ‘1)’, which may be returned to        step ‘1)’. One or more phases separated phases from said        multi-phase mixture may comprise substantially one or more        volatile reagents in a liquid and/or supercritical phase and may        be transferred to step ‘4)’.    -   4) Said one or more separated volatile reagents may be        transferred to one or more evaporators, where said one or more        volatile reagents may be depressurized and/or evaporated into        the gaseous phase. Said evaporation may absorb heat and may be        heat exchanged with one or more applications requiring cooling,        or heat sources, or enthalpy sources, or a combination thereof.        Residuals following evaporation may be transferred to step ‘1)’        and may be mixed with, for example, said absorption solution in        step ‘1)’.    -   5) Said gaseous phase volatile reagents may be compressed to        form higher pressure gaseous phase volatile reagents, which may        be transferred to step ‘1)’.

Note: FIG. 10 may have an advantage wherein the phase transition intomultiple liquid phases to regenerate the refrigerant and absorptionliquid phases may be conducted using cool input, rather than heatinginput. This may be desirable, for example, wherein the application ofthe refrigeration cycle is primarily for heating.

FIG. 11: The present figure may comprise a refrigeration cycle or heatpump cycle. Alternatively, the present embodiment may comprise a heatengine, wherein the compressor may be, for example, substituted for agenerator. Alternatively, the present embodiment may comprise a methodfor recovering or absorbing one or more gaseous vapors.

The present figure may involve a UCST phase change liquid system whereinone (or more) of the ‘low solubility reagent(s)’ may be volatile orpossess greater vapor pressure than one or more of the other constituentreagents of the liquid system. The present embodiment may benefit froman equilibrium vapor pressure shift, which may be developed from a UCSTphase transition, which may enable significantly more energy efficientrefrigeration or heat pumps or heat engines or a combination thereof andmay also reduce the required flow rate of liquid.

FIG. 11 may differ from FIG. 10 in that FIG. 11 may initiate or generatea phase transition using the addition of one or more reagents, such aspermeate or permeate equivalent or a combination thereof, rather than orin addition to cooling. Additionally, said one or more added reagentsmay be recovered using one or more membrane-based processes.

FIG. 11 may involve diluting a combined single liquid phase solutioncomprising CST reagent, ‘low solubility reagent’, and UCST solvent withpermeate or permeate equivalent comprising a portion UCST solvent, whichmay result in a lower concentration of CST reagent, which may trigger aphase transition into a multi-liquid phase mixture. Said multi-liquidphase mixture may comprise constituent liquid phases which may comprise:one or more of the liquid phases in the multi-liquid phase mixture maycomprise volatile ‘low solubility reagent’ and one or more of the liquidphases in the multi-liquid phase mixture may comprise a solution of UCSTsolvent and CST reagent. Said constituent liquid phases may be at leastin part separated. Said one or more of the liquid phases which maycomprise ‘low solubility reagent’ may be transferred to the evaporationstage. Said added permeate and/or permeate equivalent may be recoveredfrom said one or more of the liquid phases which may comprise a solutionof UCST solvent and CST reagent using, for example, one or moremembrane-based processes, such as nanofiltration. Said nanofiltrationmay form one or more permeate streams (which may be returned to thepermeate addition step) and a retentate stream which may be employed asone or more of the streams employed in the absorption stage.

Note: One or more of said liquid phases may be contaminated with orcontain residuals of one or more other reagents which may be present in,for example, one or more of the other liquid phases in said multi-liquidphase mixture.

FIG. 12: The present figure may comprise a refrigeration cycle or heatpump cycle. Alternatively, the present embodiment may comprise a heatengine, wherein the compressor may be, for example, substituted for agenerator. Alternatively, the present embodiment may comprise a methodfor recovering or absorbing one or more gaseous vapors.

The present figure may involve a LCST phase change liquid system whereinone (or more) of the LCST binder reagents may be volatile orrefrigerants or possess greater vapor pressure than one or more of theother constituent reagents of the liquid system. The present embodimentmay benefit from an equilibrium vapor pressure shift, which may bedeveloped from a LCST phase transition, which may enable significantlymore energy efficient refrigeration or heat pumps or heat engines or acombination thereof and may also reduce the required flow rate ofliquid.

In, for example, the refrigeration cycle, the ‘evaporator’/heatabsorbing step may involve evaporating at least a portion of saidrefrigerant from a liquid phase comprising substantially refrigerant andLCST reagent. As a liquid comprising a greater concentration of saidrefrigerant than in the absorption solution, the liquid may possess agreater partial vapor pressure of gas phase refrigerant at the sametemperature compared to, for example, a solution of refrigerantdissolved in the absorption solution, in, for example, accordance withRaoult's Law. Remaining LCST reagent (and other residual reagents insolution with LCST reagents) during or following evaporation, may betransferred to the absorption/heat releasing stage as, for example, acomponent of the absorption solution. Said evaporated gas phaserefrigerant may be compressed and absorbed into an absorption solutionwhich may comprise LCST reagent and LCST solvent reagent, in forexample, an ‘absorption’/heat releasing step, which may form a combinedsolution comprising LCST solvent reagent, LCST reagent, and absorbedrefrigerant. Said absorption solution may possess a lower partialpressure of refrigerant relative to a condensed liquid refrigerantwithout the presence of said absorption solution at the sametemperature, which may enable less energy consumption in the compressionstep relative to a prior art refrigerant refrigeration cycle. Saidcombined solution comprising LCST solvent reagent, LCST reagent, andabsorbed refrigerant may be heated above said combined solutions LCSTphase transition temperature, which may result in a multi-liquid phasemixture. Said multi-liquid phase mixture may be separated or remaincombined. If separated, for example, said separation may comprise one ormore liquid-liquid separation steps, which may result in at leastpartially separated constituent liquid phases. One of said at leastpartially separated constituent liquid phases may comprise a liquidphase comprising substantially refrigerant and LCST reagent and may betransferred to the evaporation step. One of said at least partiallyseparated constituent liquid phases may comprise a liquid phasecomprising substantially LCST solvent reagent and may be transferred tothe absorbing step as, for example, a constituent of the absorptionsolution.

Note: LCST solvent reagent, such as water, may also be employed as avolatile reagent or refrigerant in one or more of the presentembodiments. For example, LCST solvent reagent may comprise therefrigerant in a liquid system comprising, for example, non-volatileLCST reagent and/or LCST binder reagent. For example, water may comprisethe LCST solvent reagent, polypropylene glycol 425 may comprise the LCSTreagent, and propylene carbonate may comprise a LCST binder reagent. Forexample, the LCST solvent liquid phase may also comprise high solubilitycompound or LCST reducing reagent or a combination thereof which may bevolatile and may comprise, including, but not limited to, one or more ora combination of the following reagents: ammonia, amine, methanol,ethanol, THF, acetone, or other potentially volatile water solublereagents which may or may not form an azeotrope with water. For example,the LCST solvent liquid phase may also comprise non-volatile reagents,such as LCST reducing reagents, including, but not limited to, salts.For example, the process may involve a heat absorbing step which maycomprise evaporating a portion of LCST solvent reagent from a liquidphase comprising substantially LCST solvent reagent, which may formgaseous LCST solvent reagent and a remaining solution comprising anyresidual reagents. Said heat absorbing step may be heat exchanged withone or more applications requiring cooling, or one or more heat sources,or one or more enthalpy sources, or a combination thereof. Saidremaining solution may be mixed with liquid phase comprisingsubstantially LCST reagent and/or LCST binder reagent, which may formcombined solution which may be employed as an absorption solution. SaidLCST solvent reagent gas may be compressed. Said compressed LCST solventreagent gas may be absorbed into said absorption solution in, forexample, a heat releasing step, which may form a combined solutioncomprising LCST solvent reagent, LCST reagent, and/or LCST binderreagent. Said heat releasing step may be heat exchanged with one or moreapplications requiring heating, one or more cooling sources, evaporativecooling, enthalpy sources, or a combination thereof. Said combinedsolution may be phase transitioned into a multi-liquid phase mixtureusing, for example, heating, heat exchanging with one or more sources ofheat, the addition of one or more reagents, the change in concentrationof one or more reagents, or the addition of one or more reagents, or acombination thereof. Said multi-liquid phase mixture may be separated orremain combined. If separated, for example, said separation may compriseone or more liquid-liquid separation steps, which may result in at leastpartially separated constituent liquid phases. One of said at leastpartially separated constituent liquid phases may comprise a liquidphase comprising substantially LCST reagent and/or LCST binder reagentand may be transferred to to form an absorption solution. One of said atleast partially separated constituent liquid phases may comprise aliquid phase comprising substantially LCST solvent reagent and may betransferred to the evaporation/heat absorbing step.

Note: The presently described embodiment may comprise a water removal orrecovery from air technology or flue gas or other water laden gasstream. The present embodiment may also be employed for distillingwater, wherein the evaporator evaporates water from a saline orcontaminated water stream and the absorber absorbs said evaporated watervapor. The absorbed water is then recovered using an LCST phasetransition, wherein it forms a multi-liquid phase mixture. Saidmulti-liquid phase mixture may be separated, at least in part, into itsconstituent liquid phases. At least one of said separated constituentliquid phases may contain substantially water and may undergo furthertreatment or may be removed from the process as separated water or acombination thereof.

Note: FIG. 12 may have an advantage wherein the phase transition intomultiple liquid phases to regenerate the refrigerant and absorptionliquid phases may be conducted using heat input, rather than coolinginput. This may be desirable, for example, wherein the application ofthe refrigeration cycle is primarily for cooling. Additionally, this maybe desirable as it may increase cooling capacity. Additionally, this maybe desirable as it may employ heat generated by the compressor (forexample: compressor waste heat).

FIG. 1:

FIG. 1A—Example Step by Step Description—Active LCST Decrease byConcentrating LCST Reducing Reagents in One or More Separated Streams:

-   -   1) Heat Absorption LCST Phase Change: Combined solution (L-1),        which may comprise a single liquid phase, may be heated by one        or more heat sources or one or more sources requiring cooling or        a combination thereof (‘Heat Input Source’) in, for example, one        or more heat exchangers (HE-1, ‘Heat Input Heat Exchanger’).        Before, or during, or after, or a combination thereof said        ‘heating’, L-1 may phase transition into a multi-liquid phase        mixture (LL-1). Said phase transition may be, for example,        endothermic.    -   2) Multi-Liquid Phase Separation: LL-1 may be separated using        one or more liquid-liquid separation devices into two or more at        least partially separated liquid streams (L-2 and L-3), which        may comprise, for example, one or more of the constituent liquid        phases of LL-1.    -   3) Concentrating LCST Reducing Reagents in One or More Liquid        Phases: L-2, which may contain one or more LCST reducing        reagents, may be directed (V-1) as an input steam (L-4) to one        or more pumps and/or pressure exchangers (P-1). L-4 may be        pressurized in P-1, which may form, for example, one or more        pressurized feed solutions (L-6). L-6 may be fed into one or        more membrane-based processes (for example: reverse osmosis,        ‘RO’), which may separate L-6 into, for example, one or more        concentrate streams (L-8) and/or one or more permeate streams        (L-7). Said one or more concentrate streams may be more        concentrated in one or more LCST reducing reagents relative to        L-6. Said one or more permeate streams may contain a lower        concentration of one or more LCST reducing reagents relative to        L-6. L-8 may be transferred to step ‘4)’ as L-11. L-7 may be        transferred to ‘Permeate Storage’.    -   4) Mixing Liquid Phases: L-8 may be mixed with L-3, which may        form a multi-liquid phase mixture (LL-2), or a single liquid        phase combined solution (L-4), or a combination thereof.    -   5) Heat Release LCST Phase Change: The liquid stream or streams        from step ‘4)’, may be ‘cooled’ by one or more applications        requiring heating, or one or more cooling sources, or one or        more heat sinks or a combination thereof (‘Application Requiring        Heating’) in, for example, one or more heat exchangers (HE-2,        ‘Heating Application Heat Exchanger’). Before, or during, or        after, or a combination thereof said ‘cooling’, the liquid        stream or streams from step ‘4)’ may phase transition into a        single liquid phase combined solution (L-1). Said phase        transition may be, for example, exothermic.

FIG. 1B—Example Step by Step Description—Active LCST Decrease byConcentrating LCST Reducing Reagents in Combined Single Liquid PhaseSolution:

-   -   1) Heat Absorption LCST Phase Change: Combined solution (L-9),        which may comprise a single liquid phase, may be heated by one        or more heat sources or one or more sources requiring cooling or        a combination thereof (‘Heat Input Source’) in, for example, one        or more heat exchangers (HE-1, ‘Heat Input Heat Exchanger’).        Before, or during, or after, or a combination thereof said        ‘heating’, L-1 may phase transition into a multi-liquid phase        mixture (LL-1). Said phase transition may be, for example,        endothermic.    -   2) Heat Release LCST Phase Change: LL-1 may be ‘cooled’ by one        or more applications requiring heating, or one or more cooling        sources, or one or more heat sinks or a combination thereof        (‘Application Requiring Heating’) in, for example, one or more        heat exchangers (HE-2, ‘Heating Application Heat Exchanger’).        Before, or during, or after, or a combination thereof said        ‘cooling’, LL-1 may phase transition into a single liquid phase        combined solution (L-1). Said phase transition may be, for        example, exothermic.    -   3) Concentrating at LCST Reducing Reagents in One or More Liquid        Phases: L-1 may be directed (V-1) as an input steam (L-2) to one        or more pumps and/or pressure exchangers (P-1). L-2 may be        pressurized in P-1, which may final, for example, one or more        pressurized feed solutions (L-4). L-4 may be fed into one or        more membrane-based processes (for example: nanofiltration,        ‘NF’, and/or reverse osmosis, ‘RO’), which may separate L-4        into, for example, one or more concentrate streams (L-6) and/or        one or more permeate streams (L-5). Said one or more concentrate        streams may be more concentrated in one or more LCST reducing        reagents relative to L-4. Said one or more permeate streams may        contain a lower concentration of one or more LCST reducing        reagents relative to L-4. L-6 may be transferred to step ‘1)’ as        L-9. L-5 may be transferred to ‘Permeate Storage’.

Note: FIG. 1B may actively increase LCST using permeate or permeateequivalent addition. Additionally, FIG. 1B may maintain LCST by, forexample, allowing L-1 to bypass one or more cloud point adjusting steps.

Note: If one or more LCST reagents possess a molecular weight orhydration radius sufficiently large to be rejected by one or moremembranes, the concentration of LCST reagents in the output concentratesolution from RO may be greater than the concentration of LCST reagentsin the input feed solution. Because of the greater concentration of LCSTreagents and/or greater concentration of LCST reducing reagents, theoutput concentrate solution may comprise a multi-liquid phase mixture.If a multi-liquid mixture forms, for example, within one or more ROconcentrating unit or directly following one or more RO concentratingunits, it may be desirable to heat exchange with the RO concentratingunit.

Note—Alternative Embodiment for Active LCST Increase: To, for example,minimize osmotic pressure or required applied pressure or concentrationpolarization or energy consumption or a combination thereof, it may bedesirable to first concentrate one or more LCST reagents usingnanofiltration (NF) (if, for example, one or more of the LCST reagent(s)possess a sufficiently large hydration radius to be rejected by NF).Said NF stage may benefit by having larger pore size, enabling, forexample, less concentration polarization, potentially reducing energyconsumption and required applied pressure. Said NF may form one or moreconcentrate solutions with, for example, a greater concentration of oneor more LCST reagents than, for example, one or more feed solutions,and/or may form one or more permeate solutions, which may contain asignificantly lower concentration of one or more LCST reagents than, forexample, one or more feed solutions. Said NF permeate stream maycomprise a solution containing one or more LCST reducing reagents (if,for example, one or more of the LCST reducing reagents possess ahydration radius, for example, below the molecular weight cutoff of oneor more membranes in said NF stage). LCST reducing reagents in said NFpermeate may be concentrated using one or more reverse osmosis (RO)stages, which may form, for example, one or more concentrate streamscomprising a greater concentration of one or more LCST reducing reagentsrelative to, for example, said NF permeate, and/or may form one or morepermeate streams containing a lower concentration of one or more LCSTreducing reagents relative to, for example, said NF permeate. Said ROconcentrate may be mixed with NF concentrate and may be returned to theprocess. Said RO permeate may be added to, for example, permeatestorage, where it may be later employed or added to actively increaseLCST. Energy consumption and/or required applied pressure may also bereduced by enabling the concentrating of LCST reagent(s) and LCSTreducing reagent(s) to be concentrated separately, rather thansimultaneously.

FIG. 1C—Example Step by Step Description—Active LCST Increase byDiluting LCST Reducing Reagents in One or More Streams:

-   -   1) Heat Absorption LCST Phase Change: Combined solution (L-1),        which may comprise a single liquid phase, may be heated by one        or more heat sources or one or more sources requiring cooling or        a combination thereof (‘Heat Input Source’) in, for example, one        or more heat exchangers (HE-1, ‘Heat Input Heat Exchanger’).        Before, or during, or after, or a combination thereof said        ‘heating’, L-1 may phase transition into a multi-liquid phase        mixture (LL-1). Said phase transition may be, for example,        endothermic. 2) Multi-Liquid Phase Separation: LL-1 may be        separated using one or more liquid-liquid separation devices        into two or more at least partially separated liquid streams        (L-2 and L-3), which may comprise, for example, one or more of        the constituent liquid phases of LL-1.    -   3) Diluting LCST Reducing Reagents in One or More Liquid Phases:        L-2, which may contain one or more LCST reducing reagents, may        be directed (V-1) as an input steam (L-5) to one or more stream        merging or mixing process elements (Merge #1), where L-5 may be        mixed with permeate or permeate equivalent liquid or a        combination thereof (L-9), which may form a diluted solution        (L-10). L-10 may comprise a lower concentration of one or more        LCST reducing reagents relative to, for example, L-2. L-10 may        be transferred to step ‘4)’ as L-11.    -   4) Mixing Liquid Phases: L-11 may be mixed with L-3, which may        form a multi-liquid phase mixture (LL-2), or a single liquid        phase combined solution (L-4), or a combination thereof.    -   5) Heat Release LCST Phase Change: The liquid stream or streams        from step ‘4)% may be ‘cooled’ by one or more applications        requiring heating, or one or more cooling sources, or one or        more heat sinks or a combination thereof (‘Application Requiring        Heating’) in, for example, one or more heat exchangers (HE-2,        ‘Heating Application Heat Exchanger’). Before, or during, or        after, or a combination thereof said ‘cooling’, the liquid        stream or streams from step ‘4)’ may phase transition into a        single liquid phase combined solution (L-1). Said phase        transition may be, for example, exothermic.

Note: In an operation increasing LCST using dilution with permeate orpermeate equivalent, the LCST, permeate or permeate equivalent liquidmay be added directly to, for example, LL-1 or LL-2 or during ‘HeatingApplication Heat Exchanger’ or L-1 or one or more other locations withinthe process. The increase in cloud point may not require the permeate beadded to a separated liquid phase.

FIG. 1D—Example Step by Step Description—Maintaining LCST by BypassingOne or More Cloud-Point Adjustment Steps:

-   -   1) Heat Absorption LCST Phase Change: Combined solution (L-1),        which may comprise a single liquid phase, may be heated by one        or more heat sources or one or more sources requiring cooling or        a combination thereof (‘Heat Input Source’) in, for example, one        or more heat exchangers (HE-1, ‘Heat Input Heat Exchanger’).        Before, or during, or after, or a combination thereof said        ‘heating’, L-1 may phase transition into a multi-liquid phase        mixture (LL-1). Said phase transition may be, for example,        endothermic.    -   2) Multi-Liquid Phase Separation: LL-1 may be separated using        one or more liquid-liquid separation devices into two or more at        least partially separated liquid streams (L-2 and L-3), which        may comprise, for example, one or more of the constituent liquid        phases of LL-1.    -   3) Bypassing One or More Cloud Point Adjustment Steps: L-2,        which may contain one or more LCST reducing reagents, may be        directed (V-1) as an input steam (L-5) to one or more stream        merging or mixing process elements (Merge #1), where L-5 may        remain the same or similar composition and may exit Merge #1 as        stream L-10. L-5 may also bypass the process element ‘Merge #1’        to, for example, potentially minimize contamination with        residual L-9 or other potential residuals in Merge #1. L-10 may        comprise the same or similar concentration of one or more LCST        reducing reagents relative to, for example, L-2. L-10 may be        transferred to step ‘4)’ as L-11.    -   4) Mixing Liquid Phases: L-11 may be mixed with L-3, which may        form a multi-liquid phase mixture (LL-2), or a single liquid        phase combined solution (L-4), or a combination thereof.    -   5) Heat Release LCST Phase Change: The liquid stream or streams        from step ‘4)% may be ‘cooled’ by one or more applications        requiring heating, or one or more cooling sources, or one or        more heat sinks or a combination thereof (‘Application Requiring        Heating’) in, for example, one or more heat exchangers (HE-2,        ‘Heating Application Heat Exchanger’). Before, or during, or        after, or a combination thereof said ‘cooling’, the liquid        stream or streams from step ‘4)’ may phase transition into a        single liquid phase combined solution (L-1). Said phase        transition may be, for example, exothermic.

Note: L-2 may comprise, for example, a solution with a lower mass %concentration of one or more LCST reagents relative to L-1 and/orgreater mass % concentration of one or more LCST reducing reagents orLCST reagent solvents or a combination thereof relative to, for example,L-1.

Note: L-3 may comprise, for example, a solution with a greater mass %concentration of one or more LCST reagents relative to L-1 and/or lowermass % concentration of one or more LCST reducing reagents or LCSTreagent solvents or a combination thereof relative to, for example, L-1.

Note: Although all LCST reducing reagents may reduce LCST of one or moreliquid systems with increasing concentration of the LCST reducingreagent, not all reagents which reduce LCST may be considered LCSTreducing reagents. An ‘LCST reducing reagent’ may be more soluble in oneor more ‘LCST reagent solvents’ than one or more ‘LCST reagents’. On theother hand, reagents which may decrease LCST with increasingconcentration and may be more soluble or appreciably more soluble in theone or more ‘LCST reagents’ than one or more ‘LCST reagent solvents’,may be classified as a ‘LCST binder reagent’.

For example, given an example liquid system comprising polypropyleneglycol 425 (PPG 425), propylene carbonate, water, and 5 wt % sodiumchloride: PPG 425 may be classified as an ‘LCST reagent’, ‘PropyleneCarbonate’ may be classified as a ‘LCST binder reagent’, water may beclassified as a ‘LCST reagent solvent’, and sodium chloride may beclassified as a ‘LCST reducing reagent’. PPG 425 may be classified as aLCST reagent, as, for example, in a solution water and sodium chloridein, it may form a LCST phase transition. Propylene Carbonate may beclassified as a ‘LCST binder reagent’ as, for example, it maypre-dominantly dissolve in a phase more concentrated in PPG 425 in aLCST phase transition where PPG 425 is the LCST reagent. Additionally,for example, in a mixture of water only (water comprising an exampleLCST reagent solvent) or water and sodium chloride only, propylenecarbonate may lack a LCST phase transition. Water may be classified asan ‘LCST reagent solvent’ as, for example, the ‘LCST reagent’ may form aLCST phase transition in a solution comprising LCST reagent dissolved inwater. Sodium chloride may be classified as a ‘LCST reducing reagent’as, for example, sodium chloride may be more soluble in the ‘LCSTreagent solvent’ than the ‘LCST reagent’. Additionally, for example, ina mixture of water only (water comprising an example LCST reagentsolvent) or water and sodium chloride only, sodium chloride may lack aLCST phase transition.

Note: L-6 may be first treated with, for example, Nanofiltration (NF),to, for example, remove one or more residual LCST reagents, before, forexample, concentrating one or more LCST reducing reagents using, forexample, Reverse Osmosis (RO). The one or more LCST reagent concentratestreams which may result from said NF may be, for example, mixed withL-3, or L-8, or L-11, or mixed in ‘Mix’ process element, or acombination thereof.

Note: One way to potentially differentiate ‘LCST binder reagents’ from‘LCST reagents’ is, for example, a LCST binder reagent may lack a LCSTor possess a very different LCST with one or more ‘LCST reagentsolvents’. For example, in a mixture of water only (water comprising anexample LCST solvent) or water and sodium chloride only, propylenecarbonate may lack a LCST phase transition.

Note: One or more or all embodiments herein may include one or more‘LCST binder reagents.’ For convenience, ‘LCST binder reagent’ may ormay not be explicitly stated in one or more descriptions.

Note: One or more or a combination of liquid streams may be stored instorage tanks as, for example, excess capacity or buffer capacity. Forexample, liquid-liquid separation may require sufficient time whereinone or more buffer storage containers may be employed to store separatedliquid phases. Said buffer storage containers may be desirable, forexample, during startup of the heating or cooling transfer process.

Note: Steps 4 and 5 may be conducted at simultaneously, or in the sameprocess element, or sequentially, or in separate process elements, or acombination thereof.

Note: Active cloud point adjustment may be employed in LCST embodimentsfor cooling transfer as well. In LCST embodiments for cooling transfer,it may be desirable to not include or to bypass one or more multi-phaseliquid separation devices.

Note: The present embodiment may function as a cooling transfertechnology. For example, the ‘Application Requiring Heating’ maycomprise a ‘cold source’, for example, including, but not limited to, aheat sink, or evaporative cooling, or other cooling source, or acombination thereof. In operation as a cooling transfer system, thepresent embodiment may bypass one or more multi-phase liquid separationdevices. Multi-phase liquid separation devices may be desirable inheating transfer in the present embodiment LCST phase change astransporting separate liquid phases separately may enable effective heattransfer over varying conditions and distances, maybe even at leastpartially independent of varying conditions and transport distances.

Inputs Outputs Example Inputs & Outputs (FIGS. 1A-1D) Cool Input or CoolSink Cooling Output to Application Requiring Cooling Electricity (activecloud point adjustment, fluid pumping, liquid-liquid separation devices,or a combination thereof) Example Inputs & Outputs (FIGS. 1A-1D) HeatInput Heat Output to Application Requiring Heating Electricity (activecloud point adjustment, fluid pumping, liquid-liquid separation devices,or a combination thereof)

FIG. 2:

FIG. 2A—Example Step by Step Description—Active UCST Decrease byConcentrating CST Reagent in One or More Combined Streams, System withMulti-Liquid Phase Mixture Separation:

-   -   1) Concentrating One or More CST Reagents using One or More        Membrane Based Processes: Combined solution (L-1), which may        comprise a single liquid phase, may be directed (V-1) as an        input solution (L-3) to one or more pumps (P-1). L-3 may be        pressurized using P-1, forming one or more pressurized solutions        (L-4). L-4 may comprise one or more feed streams to one or more        membrane-based processes (for example: Nanofiltration ‘NF’),        which may form one or more concentrate streams (L-6) and one or        more permeate streams (L-5 or LL). Said one or more concentrate        streams (L-6) may comprise a greater concentration of one or        more CST reagents than said one or more feed streams. Said one        or more permeate streams (L-5 or LL) may comprise a lower        concentration of one or more CST reagents than said one or more        feed streams. Said one or more permeate streams (L-5 or LL) may        comprise two or more liquid phases, due to, for example,        significantly lower concentration or absence of one or more CST        reagents. L-5 or LL may be transferred to one or more permeate        and/or permeate equivalent storage units (‘Permeate Storage’).        L-6 may be directed (V-2) to step ‘2)’ as L-9.    -   2) Heat Release UCST Phase Change: L-9, which may comprise a        single liquid phase, may be cooled by one or more cold sources        or evaporative cooling or one or more applications requiring        heating or a combination thereof (‘Cool Input Source’) in, for        example, one or more heat exchangers (HE-1, ‘Heat Sink Heat        Exchanger’). Before, or during, or after, or a combination        thereof said ‘cooling’, L-9 may phase transition into a        multi-liquid phase mixture (LL-1). Said phase transition may be,        for example, exothermic.    -   3) Multi-Liquid Phase Mixture Separation: LL-1 may be separated        using one or more liquid-liquid separation devices into two or        more at least partially separated liquid streams (L-10 and        L-11), which may comprise, for example, one or more of the        constituent liquid phases of LL-1.    -   4) Mixing Liquid Phases: L-11 may be mixed with L-10, which may        form a multi-liquid phase mixture (LL-2), or a single liquid        phase combined solution (L-12), or a combination thereof.    -   5) Heat Absorption UCST Phase Change: The one or more liquid        streams from step ‘4)’ LL-2 or L-12 may be ‘heated’ by one or        more applications requiring cooling, or one or more heating        sources, or one or more enthalpy sources, or a combination        thereof (‘Application Requiring Cooling’) in, for example, one        or more heat exchangers (HE-2, ‘Cooling Application Heat        Exchanger’). Before, or during, or after, or a combination        thereof said ‘heating’, the liquid stream or streams from step        ‘4)’ may phase transition into a single liquid phase combined        solution (L-1). Said phase transition may be, for example,        endothermic.

FIG. 2B—Example Step by Step Description—Active UCST Decrease byConcentrating CST Reagent in One or More Combined Streams, Systemwithout Multi-Liquid Phase Mixture Separation:

-   -   1) Concentrating One or more CST reagents using One or More        Membrane Based Processes: Combined solution (L-1), which may        comprise a single liquid phase, may be directed (V-1) as an        input solution (L-3) to one or more pumps (P-1). L-3 may be        pressurized using P-1, forming one or more pressurized solutions        (L-4). L-4 may comprise one or more feed streams to one or more        membrane-based processes (for example: Nanofiltration ‘NF’),        which may form one or more concentrate streams (L-6) and one or        more permeate streams (L-5 or LL). Said one or more concentrate        streams (L-6) may comprise a greater concentration of one or        more CST reagents than said one or more feed streams. Said one        or more permeate streams (L-5 or LL) may comprise a lower        concentration of one or more CST reagents than said one or more        feed streams. Said one or more permeate streams (L-5 or LL) may        comprise two or more liquid phases, due to, for example,        significantly lower concentration or absence of one or more CST        reagents. L-5 or LL may be transferred to one or more permeate        and/or permeate equivalent storage units (‘Permeate Storage’).        L-6 may be directed (V-2) to step ‘2)’ as L-9.    -   2) Heat Release UCST Phase Change: L-9, which may comprise a        single liquid phase, may be cooled by one or more cold sources        or evaporative cooling or one or more applications requiring        heating or a combination thereof (‘Cool Input Source’) in, for        example, one or more heat exchangers (HE-1, ‘Heat Sink Heat        Exchanger’). Before, or during, or after, or a combination        thereof said ‘cooling’, L-9 may phase transition into a        multi-liquid phase mixture (LL-1). Said phase transition may be,        for example, exothermic.    -   3) Heat Absorption UCST Phase Change: LL-1 may be ‘heated’ by        one or more applications requiring cooling, or one or more        heating sources, or one or more enthalpy sources, or a        combination thereof (‘Application Requiring Cooling’) in, for        example, one or more heat exchangers (HE-2, ‘Cooling Application        Heat Exchanger’). Before, or during, or after, or a combination        thereof said ‘heating’, LL-1 may phase transition into a single        liquid phase combined solution (L-1). Said phase transition may        be, for example, endothermic.

FIG. 2C—Example Step by Step Description—Active UCST Increase byDiluting CST Reagent in One or More Combined Streams with Permeateand/or Permeate Equivalent, System with Multi-Liquid Phase MixtureSeparation:

-   -   1) Diluting One or more CST reagents in One or More Liquid        Phases: Combined solution, L-1, which may comprise a single        liquid phase, may be directed (V-1) as an input steam (L-2) to        one or more stream merging or mixing process elements (Merge        #1), where L-2 may be mixed with permeate or permeate equivalent        liquid or a combination thereof (L-7 or LL), which may form a        diluted CST reagent solution (L-8). L-8 may comprise a lower        concentration of one or more CST reagents relative to, for        example, L-2. L-8 may be transferred to step ‘2)’ as L-9.    -   2) Heat Release UCST Phase Change: L-9, which may comprise a        single liquid phase, may be cooled by one or more cold sources        or evaporative cooling or one or more applications requiring        heating or a combination thereof (‘Cool Input Source’) in, for        example, one or more heat exchangers (HE-1, ‘Heat Sink Heat        Exchanger’). Before, or during, or after, or a combination        thereof said ‘cooling’, L-9 may phase transition into a        multi-liquid phase mixture (LL-1). Said phase transition may be,        for example, exothermic.    -   3) Multi-Liquid Phase Mixture Separation: LL-1 may be separated        using one or more liquid-liquid separation devices into two or        more at least partially separated liquid streams (L-10 and        L-11), which may comprise, for example, one or more of the        constituent liquid phases of LL-1.    -   4) Mixing Liquid Phases: L-11 may be mixed with L-10, which may        form a multi-liquid phase mixture (LL-2), or a single liquid        phase combined solution (L-12), or a combination thereof.    -   5) Heat Absorption UCST Phase Change: The one or more liquid        streams from step ‘4)’ LL-2 or L-12 may be ‘heated’ by one or        more applications requiring cooling, or one or more heating        sources, or one or more enthalpy sources, or a combination        thereof (‘Application Requiring Cooling’) in, for example, one        or more heat exchangers (HE-2, ‘Cooling Application Heat        Exchanger’). Before, or during, or after, or a combination        thereof said ‘heating’, the liquid stream or streams from step        ‘4)’ may phase transition into a single liquid phase combined        solution (L-1). Said phase transition may be, for example,        endothermic.

FIG. 2D—Example Step by Step Description—Maintaining UCST by BypassingOne or More Cloud Point Adjustment Steps, System with Multi-Liquid PhaseMixture Separation, ‘Bypassed’ Active Cloud Point Adjustment Units maybe in Contact with Combined Single Liquid Phase Solution:

-   -   1) Bypassing One or More Cloud Point Adjustment Steps: L-1,        which may comprise a single liquid phase, may be directed (V-1)        as an input steam (L-2) to one or more stream merging or mixing        process elements (Merge #1), where L-2 may remain the same or        similar composition and may exit Merge #1 as stream L-8. L-2 may        also or alternatively bypass the process element ‘Merge #1’ to,        for example, potentially minimize contamination with residual        L-7 or LL or other potential residuals in Merge #1. L-8 may        comprise the same or similar concentration of one or more CST        reagents relative to, for example, L-2. L-8 may be transferred        to step ‘2)’ as L-9.    -   2) Heat Release UCST Phase Change: L-9, which may comprise a        single liquid phase, may be cooled by one or more cold sources        or evaporative cooling or one or more applications requiring        heating or a combination thereof (‘Cool Input Source’) in, for        example, one or more heat exchangers (HE-1, ‘Heat Sink Heat        Exchanger’). Before, or during, or after, or a combination        thereof said ‘cooling’, L-9 may phase transition into a        multi-liquid phase mixture (LL-1). Said phase transition may be,        for example, exothermic.    -   3) Multi-Liquid Phase Mixture Separation: LL-1 may be separated        using one or more liquid-liquid separation devices into two or        more at least partially separated liquid streams (L-10 and        L-11), which may comprise, for example, one or more of the        constituent liquid phases of LL-1.    -   4) Mixing Liquid Phases: L-11 may be mixed with L-10, which may        form a multi-liquid phase mixture (LL-2), or a single liquid        phase combined solution (L-12), or a combination thereof    -   5) Heat Absorption UCST Phase Change: The one or more liquid        streams from step ‘4)’ LL-2 or L-12 may be ‘heated’ by one or        more applications requiring cooling, or one or more heating        sources, or one or more enthalpy sources, or a combination        thereof (‘Application Requiring Cooling’) in, for example, one        or more heat exchangers (HE-2, ‘Cooling Application Heat        Exchanger’). Before, or during, or after, or a combination        thereof said ‘heating’, the liquid stream or streams from step        ‘4)’ may phase transition into a single liquid phase combined        solution (L-1). Said phase transition may be, for example,        endothermic.

FIG. 2E—Example Step by Step Description—Active UCST Decrease byConcentrating CST Reagent in One or More Separated Streams, System withMulti-Liquid Phase Mixture Separation:

-   -   1) Heat Release UCST Phase Change: Combined solution L-1, which        may comprise a single liquid phase, may be cooled by one or more        cold sources or evaporative cooling or one or more applications        requiring heating or a combination thereof (‘Cool Input Source’)        in, for example, one or more heat exchangers (HE-1, ‘Heat Sink        Heat Exchanger’). Before, or during, or after, or a combination        thereof said ‘cooling’, L-1 may phase transition into a        multi-liquid phase mixture (LL-1). Said phase transition may be,        for example, exothermic.    -   2) Multi-Liquid Phase Mixture Separation: LL-1 may be separated        using one or more multi-liquid phase separation devices into two        or more at least partially separated liquid streams (L-2 and        L-3), which may comprise, for example, one or more of the        constituent liquid phases of LL-1.    -   3) Concentrating LCST Reducing Reagents in One or More Liquid        Phases: L-2, which may contain one or more CST reagents, may be        directed (V-1) as an input steam (L-5) to one or more pumps        and/or pressure exchangers (P-1). L-5 may be pressurized in P-1,        which may form, for example, one or more pressurized feed        solutions (L-6). L-6 may be fed into one or more membrane-based        processes (for example: nanofiltration, ‘NF’), which may        separate L-6 into, for example, one or more concentrate streams        (L-8) and/or one or more permeate streams (L-7). Said one or        more concentrate streams may be more concentrated in CST reagent        relative to L-6. Said one or more permeate streams may contain a        lower concentration of one or more CST reagents relative to L-6.        L-8 may be transferred to step ‘4)’ as L-11. L-7 may be        transferred to permeate and/or permeate equivalent storage        (‘Permeate Storage’).    -   4) Mixing Liquid Phases: L-11 may be mixed with L-3, which may        form a multi-liquid phase mixture (LL-2), or a single liquid        phase combined solution (L-12), or a combination thereof.    -   5) Heat Absorption UCST Phase Change: The one or more liquid        streams from step ‘4)’ LL-2 or L-12 may be ‘heated’ by one or        more applications requiring cooling, or one or more heating        sources, or one or more enthalpy sources, or a combination        thereof (‘Application Requiring Cooling’) in, for example, one        or more heat exchangers (HE-2, ‘Cooling Application Heat        Exchanger’). Before, or during, or after, or a combination        thereof said ‘heating’, the liquid stream or streams from step        ‘4)’ may phase transition into a single liquid phase combined        solution (L-1). Said phase transition may be, for example,        endothermic.

FIG. 2F—Example Step by Step Description—Active UCST Increase byDiluting CST Reagent in One or More Separated Streams with Permeateand/or Permeate Equivalent, System with Multi-Liquid Phase MixtureSeparation:

-   -   1) Heat Release UCST Phase Change: Combined solution L-1, which        may comprise a single liquid phase, may be cooled by one or more        cold sources or evaporative cooling or one or more applications        requiring heating or a combination thereof (‘Cool Input Source’)        in, for example, one or more heat exchangers (HE-1, ‘Heat Sink        Heat Exchanger’). Before, or during, or after, or a combination        thereof said ‘cooling’, L-1 may phase transition into a        multi-liquid phase mixture (LL-1). Said phase transition may be,        for example, exothermic.    -   2) Multi-Liquid Phase Mixture Separation: LL-1 may be separated        using one or more multi-liquid phase separation devices into two        or more at least partially separated liquid streams (L-2 and        L-3), which may comprise, for example, one or more of the        constituent liquid phases of LL-1.    -   3) Diluting One or more CST reagents in One or More Liquid        Phases: L-2, which may contain one or more CST reagents, may be        directed (V-1) as an input steam (L-4) to one or more stream        merging or mixing process elements (Merge #1), where L-4 may be        mixed with permeate or permeate equivalent liquid or a        combination thereof (L-9 or LL), which may form a diluted CST        reagent solution (L-10). L-10 may comprise a lower concentration        of one or more CST reagents relative to, for example, L-2. L-10        may be transferred to step ‘4)’ as L-11.    -   4) Mixing Liquid Phases: L-11 may be mixed with L-3, which may        form a multi-liquid phase mixture (LL-2), or a single liquid        phase combined solution (L-12), or a combination thereof.    -   5) Heat Absorption UCST Phase Change: The one or more liquid        streams from step ‘4)’ LL-2 or L-12 may be ‘heated’ by one or        more applications requiring cooling, or one or more heating        sources, or one or more enthalpy sources, or a combination        thereof (‘Application Requiring Cooling’) in, for example, one        or more heat exchangers (HE-2, ‘Cooling Application Heat        Exchanger’). Before, or during, or after, or a combination        thereof said ‘heating’, the liquid stream or streams from step        ‘4)’ may phase transition into a single liquid phase combined        solution (L-1). Said phase transition may be, for example,        endothermic.

FIG. 2G—Example Step by Step Description—Maintaining UCST by BypassingOne or More Cloud Point Adjustment Steps, System with Multi-Liquid PhaseMixture Separation, ‘Bypassed’ Active Cloud Point Adjustment Units maybe in Contact with One or More Separated Liquid Streams:

-   -   1) Heat Release UCST Phase Change: Combined solution L-1, which        may comprise a single liquid phase, may be cooled by one or more        cold sources or evaporative cooling or one or more applications        requiring heating or a combination thereof (‘Cool Input Source’)        in, for example, one or more heat exchangers (HE-1, ‘Heat Sink        Heat Exchanger’). Before, or during, or after, or a combination        thereof said ‘cooling’, L-1 may phase transition into a        multi-liquid phase mixture (LL-1). Said phase transition may be,        for example, exothermic.    -   2) Multi-Liquid Phase Mixture Separation: LL-1 may be separated        using one or more multi-liquid phase separation devices into two        or more at least partially separated liquid streams (L-2 and        L-3), which may comprise, for example, one or more of the        constituent liquid phases of LL-1.    -   3) Bypassing One or More Cloud Point Temperature Adjustment        Steps: L-2, which may contain one or more CST reagents, may be        directed (V-1) as an input steam (L-4) to one or more stream        merging or mixing process elements (Merge #1), where L-4 may        remain the same or similar composition and may exit Merge #1 as        stream L-10. L-4 may also bypass the process element ‘Merge #1’        to, for example, potentially minimize contamination with        residual L-9 or LL or other potential residuals in Merge #1.        L-10 may comprise the same or similar concentration of one or        more CST reagents relative to, for example, L-2. L-10 may be        transferred to step ‘4)’ as L-11.    -   4) Mixing Liquid Phases: L-11 may be mixed with L-3, which may        form a multi-liquid phase mixture (LL-2), or a single liquid        phase combined solution (L-12), or a combination thereof    -   5) Heat Absorption UCST Phase Change: The one or more liquid        streams from step ‘4)’ LL-2 or L-12 may be ‘heated’ by one or        more applications requiring cooling, or one or more heating        sources, or one or more enthalpy sources, or a combination        thereof (‘Application Requiring Cooling’) in, for example, one        or more heat exchangers (HE-2, ‘Cooling Application Heat        Exchanger’). Before, or during, or after, or a combination        thereof said ‘heating’, the liquid stream or streams from step        ‘4)’ may phase transition into a single liquid phase combined        solution (L-1). Said phase transition may be, for example,        endothermic.

Inputs Outputs Example Inputs & Outputs (FIGS. 2A-2G) Cool Input or CoolSink Cooling Output to Application Requiring Cooling Electricity (activecloud point adjustment, fluid pumping, liquid-liquid separation devices,or a combination thereof) Example Inputs & Outputs (FIGS. 2A-2G) HeatInput Heat Output to Application Requiring Heating Electricity (activecloud point adjustment, fluid pumping, liquid-liquid separation devices,or a combination thereof)

Note: UCST liquid system may comprise, including, but not limited to,one or more or a combination of the following:

-   -   ‘UCST solvent’: A reagent which may dissolve ‘CST reagent’ and        may exhibit limited solubility in ‘Low solubility reagent’    -   ‘CST reagent’: A reagent which may enable ‘low solubility        reagent’ to be nearly or completely soluble in UCST solvent        reagent under certain temperatures and/or other conditions and        insoluble or only partially soluble under certain different        temperatures and/or other conditions. Increasing the        concentration of CST reagent may, for example, decrease UCST.    -   ‘Low solubility reagent’: A reagent which may possess low        solubility in UCST solvent alone, or relatively high solubility        in ‘CST reagent’, or may exhibit complete solubility in UCST        solvent in the presence of CST reagent above one or more        concentrations and/or at certain temperatures and/or other        conditions, or a combination thereof.    -   ‘High solubility reagent’: A reagent which may possess high        solubility in UCST solvent alone, or high solubility in ‘CST        reagent’, or high solubility in ‘low solubility reagent’, or a        combination thereof. High solubility reagent may, for example,        decrease UCST and/or influence other phase transition properties        in the liquid system.    -   ‘UCST increasing reagent’: A reagent which may possess high        solubility in UCST solvent alone, or low solubility in ‘CST        reagent’ alone, or low solubility in ‘low solubility reagent’        alone, or a combination thereof. Low solubility reagent may, for        example, increase UCST and/or influence other phase transition        properties in the liquid system.

Note: Depending on the CST reagent and liquid system composition,increasing the concentration of CST reagent beyond a certainconcentration relative to ‘low solubility reagent’ and/or one or moreother reagents may transition the liquid system from liquid systempossessing an UCST into a liquid system possessing a LCST. Saidtransition may be exploited in one or more refrigeration cycles orheating cooling transfer systems or extractions or heat engines or oneor more applications described herein.

FIG. 3:

FIG. 3 Example Step by Step Description—Active UCST Increase byIncreasing the Concentration of One or More UCST Increasing Reagents,System may be, for example, without Multi-Liquid Phase MixtureSeparation

-   -   1) Concentrating One or More UCST Increasing Reagents using One        or More Membrane Based Processes: Combined solution (L-1), which        may comprise a single liquid phase, may be directed (V-1) as an        input solution (L-3) to one or more pumps (P-1) or pressure        exchangers or energy recovery devices or a combination thereof.        L-3 may be pressurized using P-1, forming one or more        pressurized solutions (L-4). L-4 may comprise one or more feed        streams to one or more membrane-based processes (for example:        Reverse Osmosis ‘RO’ or Nanofiltration ‘NF’), which may form one        or more concentrate streams (L-6) and one or more permeate        streams (L-5 or LL). Said one or more concentrate streams (L-6)        may comprise a greater concentration of one or more UCST        increasing reagents than said one or more feed streams. Said one        or more permeate streams (L-5 or LL) may comprise a lower        concentration of one or more UCST increasing reagents than said        one or more feed streams. L-5 or LL may be transferred to one or        more permeate and/or permeate equivalent storage units        (‘Permeate Storage’). L-6 may be directed (V-2) to step ‘2)’ as        L-9.    -   2) Heat Release UCST Phase Change: L-9, which may comprise a        single liquid phase, may be cooled by one or more cold sources        or evaporative cooling or one or more applications requiring        heating or a combination thereof (‘Cool Input Source’) in, for        example, one or more heat exchangers (HE-1, ‘Heat Sink Heat        Exchanger’). Before, or during, or after, or a combination        thereof said ‘cooling’, L-9 may phase transition into a        multi-liquid phase mixture (LL-1). Said phase transition may be,        for example, exothermic.    -   3) Heat Absorption UCST Phase Change: LL-1 may be ‘heated’ by        one or more applications requiring cooling, or one or more        heating sources, or one or more enthalpy sources, or a        combination thereof (‘Application Requiring Cooling’) in, for        example, one or more heat exchangers (HE-2, ‘Cooling Application        Heat Exchanger’). Before, or during, or after, or a combination        thereof said ‘heating’, LL-1 may phase transition into a single        liquid phase combined solution (L-1). Said phase transition may        be, for example, endothermic.

For example, the present figure may show an active increase of UCST by,for example, increasing the concentration of, for example, one or morereagents which increase UCST with increasing concentration (‘UCSTIncreasing Reagent’). The adjustment of one or more cloud pointtemperatures may be conducted, for example, by adjusting concentrationor composition in the combined single liquid phase solution produced byor following one or more ‘heat absorption’ steps.

Note: In FIG. 3, it may be desirable for the one or more CST reagents tohave a smaller molecular weight or hydration radius than one or moreUCST increasing reagents. For example, the one or more UCST increasingreagents may be rejected by one or more membranes, while the CST reagentpasses through, at least in part, one or more of said membranes, whichmay enable, for example, concentrating UCST increasing reagents withoutor while minimally or to a lesser extent concentrating one or more CSTreagents.

Note: In FIG. 3, UCST may be decreased by adding, for example, permeateor permeate equivalent or a combination thereof.

FIG. 4:

FIG. 4 Example Summary of Advantages:

FIG. 4—Example Step by Step Description—LCST Liquid System RefrigerationCycle, Employing Membrane-Based LCST Reducing Reagent Concentrating andMulti-Liquid Phase Mixture Separation

-   -   1) Heat Absorbing Phase Change into Multi-Liquid Phase Mixture:        A single liquid phase combined solution (L-7), which may be lean        in one or more LCST reducing reagents and contain one or more        LCST reagents, LCST binder reagents, or a combination thereof,        may be mixed with one or more solutions (L-8) which may be        concentrated or rich in one or more LCST reducing reagents and        may be lean in one or more LCST reagents and/or LCST binder        reagents. Said mixing may result in a phase transition, which        may be endothermic, which may form a multi-liquid phase mixture        (LL-1). Said mixing may occur before, during, or after or a        combination thereof one or more heat exchangers (Heat Exchanger        #2), which may heat exchange (HE-2) with one or more        applications requiring cooling, or heat removal, or enthalpy        sources, or a combination thereof. The liquid system may absorb        heat during said phase transition. Said application requiring        cooling may be at a similar or lower temperature than the        application requiring heating in, for example, step 4.    -   2) Multi-Liquid Phase Mixture Separation: LL-1 may comprise a        multi-liquid phase mixture. LL-1 may be separated into at least        a portion of the multi-liquid phase mixture's constituent liquid        phases. Said multi-liquid phase mixture's constituent liquid        phases may, for example, comprise a liquid phase comprising rich        concentrations of one or more LCST reagents, LCST binder        reagents, or a combination thereof (L-2) and, for example, may        comprise another liquid phase comprising one or more LCST        reducing reagents and LCST reagent solvents (L-1).    -   3) Concentrating One or More LCST Reducing Reagents using One or        More Membrane Based Processes: L-1 may be pressurized using one        or more pumps or energy recover devices or a combination thereof        (P-1), which may form a pressurized feed solution (L-3) to one        or more membrane-based processes (for example: Reverse Osmosis        ‘RO’). Said reverse osmosis may separate L-3 into, for example,        one or more concentrate streams (L-5) which may comprise greater        concentrations of one or more LCST reducing reagents relative to        L-3 and, for example, one or more permeate streams (L-4) which        may comprise lower concentrations of one or more LCST reducing        reagents relative to L-3 or may be free of one or more LCST        reducing reagents. L-5 may undergo one or more pressure and/or        other energy recovery steps, or L-4 may undergo one or more        pressure and/or other energy recovery steps, or a combination        thereof. L-5 may be transferred to one or more ‘Concentrate        Storage’ vessels and/or step ‘1)’. L-4 may be labeled L-6 in        Step ‘4)’.    -   4) Heat Releasing LCST Phase Change: L-6, which may comprise a        liquid lean in or free of one or more LCST reducing reagents,        may be mixed with L-2, which may comprise one or more LCST        reagents, LCST binder reagents, or a combination thereof. Said        mixing may result in a phase transition, which may be        exothermic, which may involve dissolution and may involve        forming a single liquid phase combined solution (L-7). Said        mixing may occur before, during, or after or a combination        thereof one or more heat exchangers (Heat Exchanger #1), which        may heat exchange (HE-1) with one or more or a combination of        the following: applications requiring heating, or an evaporative        cooling step, or a heat sink. The liquid system may release heat        during said phase transition. Step ‘4)’ may, if desired, occur        at a similar or greater temperature than Step ‘1)’.

Note: It may be desirable to first treat L-1 with, for example,nanofiltration, to, for example, remove one or more residual LCSTreagents, which may form, for example, one or more concentrate streamsrich in one or more LCST reagents and one or more permeate streams leanin or free of one or more LCST reagents. Said nanofiltration concentratesolution may be mixed with, for example, L-7. Said nanofiltration feedstream may be a feed stream for one or more reverse osmosis stages, to,for example, concentrate one or more LCST reducing reagents and mayform, for example, one or more solutions lean in or free of one or moreLCST reducing reagents.

Note: Embodiments described herein may employ pressure or energyrecovery devices during one or more membrane-based processes.

FIG. 5:

FIG. 5 Example Summary of Advantages:

FIG. 5A—Example Step by Step Description—UCST Liquid SystemRefrigeration Cycle, Employing Membrane-Based CST reagent Concentratingand Multi-Liquid Phase Mixture Separation

-   -   1) Heat Releasing Phase Change into Multi-Liquid Phase Mixture:        A single liquid phase combined solution (L-7), which may be rich        in one or more CST reagents, may be mixed with one or more        solutions (L-8), which may comprise one or more UCST solvent        reagents and may be lean in or free of one or more CST reagents.        Said mixing may result in a phase transition, which may be        exothermic, which may involve dissolution and forming a        multi-liquid phase mixture (LL-1). Said mixing may occur before,        during, or after or a combination thereof one or more heat        exchangers (Heat Exchanger #2), which may heat exchange (HE-2)        with one or more or a combination of the following: applications        requiring heating, or an evaporative cooling step, or a heat        sink. The liquid system may release heat during said phase        transition. Said application requiring heating may be at a        similar or greater temperature than the application requiring        cooling in, for example, step 4.    -   2) Multi-Liquid Phase Mixture Separation: LL-1 may comprise a        multi-liquid phase mixture. LL-1 may be separated into at least        a portion of the multi-liquid phase mixture's constituent liquid        phases. Said multi-liquid phase mixture's constituent liquid        phases may, for example, comprise a liquid phase comprising one        or more ‘low solubility reagents’ (L-2) and, for example, may        comprise another liquid phase comprising one or more CST        reagents and UCST solvent reagents (L-1).    -   3) Concentrating One or More CST reagents using One or More        Membrane Based Processes: L-1 may be pressurized using one or        more pumps or energy recover devices or a combination thereof        (P-1), which may form a pressurized feed solution (L-3) to one        or more membrane-based processes (for example: Nanofiltration,        ‘NF’). Said nanofiltration may separate L-3 into, for example,        one or more concentrate streams (L-5) which may comprise UCST        solvent with greater concentrations of one or more CST reagents        relative to L-3 and, for example, one or more permeate streams        (L-4) which may comprise UCST solvent with lower concentrations        of one or more CST reagents relative to L-3 or may comprise UCST        solvent free of one or more CST reagents. L-5 may undergo one or        more pressure and/or other energy recovery steps, or L-4 may        undergo one or more pressure and/or other energy recovery steps,        or a combination thereof. L-5 may be transferred to one or more        ‘Permeate Storage’ vessels and/or step ‘1)’. L-4 may be labeled        L-6 in Step ‘4)’.    -   4) Heat Absorbing UCST Phase Change: L-6, which may comprise        UCST solvent with greater concentrations of one or more CST        reagents, may be mixed with L-2, which may comprise one or more        ‘low solubility reagents’. Said mixing may result in a phase        transition, which may be endothermic, which may involve        dissolution and may involve forming a single liquid phase        combined solution (L-7). Said mixing may occur before, during,        or after or a combination thereof one or more heat exchangers        (Heat Exchanger #1), which may heat exchange (HE-1) with one or        more applications requiring cooling, or heat removal, or        enthalpy sources, or a combination thereof. The liquid system        may absorb heat during said phase transition. Step ‘4)’ may, if        desired, occur at a similar or lower temperature than Step ‘1)’.

FIG. 5E—Example Step by Step Description—UCST Liquid SystemRefrigeration Cycle, Employing Membrane-Based CST reagent Concentratingwith Liquid Separation using Membrane

Note: FIG. 5E may employ ‘Heat Exchanger #1’ and HE-1 within orintegrated with or heat exchanged with one or more membrane basedconcentrating units. During membrane based concentrating, solution on,for example, the retentate side of the membrane may undergo endothermicdissolution.

Note: One or more streams or the liquid system may contain one or more‘high solubility reagents’ and/or may contain one or more ‘UCSTincreasing reagents’.

FIG. 6:

FIG. 6 Example Summary of Advantages:

FIG. 6A—Example Step by Step Description—UCST Liquid SystemRefrigeration Cycle, Employing Membrane-Based CST reagent Concentratingin Combined Solution and Permeate Multi-Liquid Phase Mixture

-   -   1) Heat Absorbing UCST Phase Change: L-4, which may comprises        UCST solvent with greater concentrations of one or more CST        reagents, may be mixed with LL-3, which may comprise a        multi-liquid phase mixture of one or more ‘low solubility        reagents’ with one or more ‘UCST solvent reagents’. Said mixing        may result in a phase transition, which may be endothermic,        which may involve dissolution and may involve forming a single        liquid phase combined solution (L-1). Said mixing may occur        before, during, or after or a combination thereof one or more        heat exchangers (Heat Exchanger #2), which may heat exchange        (HE-2) with one or more applications requiring cooling, or heat        removal, or enthalpy sources, or a combination thereof. The        liquid system may absorb heat during said phase transition. Step        ‘1)’ may, if desired, occur at a similar or lower temperature        than Step ‘2)’.    -   2) Concentrating One or More CST reagents using One or More        Membrane Based Processes and Potentially Heat Releasing Phase        Change: L-1 may be pressurized using one or more pumps or energy        recover devices or a combination thereof (P-1), which may form a        pressurized feed solution (L-2) to one or more membrane-based        processes (for example: Nanofiltration, ‘NF’). Said        nanofiltration may separate L-2 into, for example, one or more        concentrate streams (L-3, and, may comprise L-4 following        pressure recovery) which may comprise UCST solvent with greater        concentrations of one or more CST reagents relative to L-2 and,        for example, one or more permeate streams (LL-2, and, may        comprise LL-3 following permeate storage) which may comprise a        multi-liquid phase mixture of UCST solvent with lower        concentrations of one or more CST reagents relative to L-2 and        ‘low solubility reagent’ or may comprise a multi-liquid phase        mixture of UCST solvent free of one or more CST reagents and        ‘low solubility reagent’. Said permeate stream may comprise UCST        solvent and ‘low solubility reagent’ in the substantial absence        or in the presence of a low concentration of one or more CST        reagents, which may result in the permeate phase transitioning        into two or more liquid phases due to, for example, the low        solubility of ‘low solubility reagent’ in UCST solvent. Said        phase transition in the permeate stream may be, for example,        exothermic. Said phase transition may occur before, during, or        after or a combination thereof one or more heat exchangers (Heat        Exchanger #1), which may heat exchange (HE-1) with one or more        applications requiring heating, or heat sinks, or evaporative        cooling, or a combination thereof. Said heat exchangers may heat        exchange directly or indirectly with the membrane-based process,        or with the one or more permeate streams exiting said        membrane-based process or a combination thereof. L-3 may undergo        one or more pressure and/or other energy recovery steps, or LL-2        may undergo one or more pressure and/or other energy recovery        steps, or a combination thereof. LL-2 may be transferred to one        or more ‘Permeate Storage’ vessels and/or transferred to step        ‘1)’ as LL-3. L-3 may be labeled L-4 in Step ‘1)’.

FIG. 6B—Example Step by Step Description—UCST Liquid SystemRefrigeration Cycle, Employing Membrane-Based CST reagent Concentratingin Combined Solution and Separation of Multi-Liquid Phase MixturePermeate, Mixing of UCST solvent reagent in permeate before ‘LowSolubility Reagent’ in Permeate

-   -   1) Concentrating One or More CST reagents using One or More        Membrane Based Processes and Potentially Heat Releasing Phase        Change: L-1 may be pressurized using one or more pumps or energy        recover devices or a combination thereof (P-1), which may form a        pressurized feed solution (L-2) to one or more membrane-based        processes (for example: Nanofiltration, ‘NF’). Said        nanofiltration may separate L-2 into, for example, one or more        concentrate streams (L-3, and, may comprise L-4 following        pressure recovery) which may comprise a solution with greater        concentrations of one or more CST reagents relative to L-2 and,        for example, one or more permeate streams (LL-2) which may        comprise a multi-liquid phase mixture of ‘low solubility        reagent’ and UCST solvent with lower concentrations of one or        more CST reagents relative to L-2 or may comprise a multi-liquid        phase mixture of ‘low solubility reagent’ and UCST solvent free        of one or more CST reagents. Said permeate stream may comprise        UCST solvent and ‘low solubility reagent’ in the substantial        absence or in the presence of a low concentration of one or more        CST reagents, which may result in the permeate phase        transitioning into two or more liquid phases due to, for        example, the relatively low solubility of ‘low solubility        reagent’ in the UCST solvent alone. Said phase transition into        two or more liquid phases in the permeate stream may be, for        example, exothermic. Said phase transition may occur before,        during, or after or a combination thereof one or more heat        exchangers (Heat Exchanger #1), which may heat exchange (HE-1)        with one or more applications requiring one or more applications        requiring heating, or heat sinks, or evaporative cooling, or a        combination thereof. Said heat exchangers may heat exchange        directly or indirectly with the membrane-based process, or with        the one or more permeate streams exiting said membrane-based        process or a combination thereof. L-3 may undergo one or more        pressure and/or other energy recovery steps, or LL-2 may undergo        one or more pressure and/or other energy recovery steps, or a        combination thereof. LL-2 may be transferred to step ‘2)’. L-3        may be labeled L-4 in Step ‘3)’. 2) Separation of Multi-Liquid        Phase Permeate: LL-2 may comprise a multi-liquid phase mixture.        LL-2 may be separated into at least a portion of the        multi-liquid phase mixture's constituent liquid phases. Said        multi-liquid phase mixture's constituent liquid phases may, for        example, comprise a liquid phase predominantly comprising one or        more ‘low solubility reagents’ (L-7) and, for example, may        comprise another liquid phase predominantly comprising one or        more UCST solvent reagents (L-5).    -   3) Mixing ‘UCST solvent’ with CST reagent-Rich Concentrate: L-5        may be mixed (MIX #1) with CST reagent-rich concentrate (L-4),        which may dissolve and form a lower concentration CST reagent        solution (L-6). Said dissolving may be exothermic and heat        released, if any, may be heat exchanged with, for example, HE-1.    -   4) Heat Absorbing UCST Phase Change: L-6 may be mixed with L-7.        Said mixing may result in a phase transition, which may be        endothermic, which may involve dissolution and may involve        forming a single liquid phase combined solution (L-1). Said        mixing may occur before, during, or after or a combination        thereof one or more heat exchangers (Heat Exchanger #2), which        may heat exchange (HE-2) with one or more applications requiring        cooling, or heat removal, or enthalpy sources, or a combination        thereof. The liquid system may absorb heat during said phase        transition. Step ‘4)’ may, if desired, occur at a similar or        lower temperature than Step ‘1)’ or Step ‘3)’ or both.

FIG. 6C—Example Step by Step Description—UCST Liquid SystemRefrigeration Cycle, Employing Membrane-Based CST reagent Concentratingin Combined Solution and Separation of Multi-Liquid Phase MixturePermeate, Mixing of Low Solubility Reagent in permeate with ConcentrateSolution (may be Endothermic) before ‘Low Solubility Reagent’ inPermeate

-   -   1) Concentrating One or More CST reagents using One or More        Membrane Based Processes and Potentially Heat Releasing        (Potentially Exothermic) Phase Change: L-1 may be pressurized        using one or more pumps or energy recover devices or a        combination thereof (P-1), which may form a pressurized feed        solution (L-2) to one or more membrane-based processes (for        example: Nanofiltration, ‘NF’). Said nanofiltration may separate        L-2 into, for example, one or more concentrate streams (L-3,        and, may comprise L-4 following pressure recovery) which may        comprise a solution with greater concentrations of one or more        CST reagents relative to L-2 and, for example, one or more        permeate streams (LL-2) which may comprise a multi-liquid phase        mixture of ‘low solubility reagent’ and UCST solvent with lower        concentrations of one or more CST reagents relative to L-2 or        may comprise a multi-liquid phase mixture of ‘low solubility        reagent’ and UCST solvent free of one or more CST reagents. Said        permeate stream may comprise UCST solvent and ‘low solubility        reagent’ in the substantial absence or in the presence of a low        concentration of one or more CST reagents, which may result in        the permeate phase transitioning into two or more liquid phases        due to, for example, the relatively low solubility of ‘low        solubility reagent’ in the UCST solvent alone. Said phase        transition into two or more liquid phases in the permeate stream        may be, for example, exothermic. Said phase transition may occur        before, during, or after or a combination thereof one or more        heat exchangers (Heat Exchanger #1), which may heat exchange        (HE-1) with one or more applications requiring heating, or heat        sinks, or evaporative cooling, or a combination thereof. Said        heat exchangers may heat exchange directly or indirectly with        the membrane-based process, or with the one or more permeate        streams exiting said membrane-based process or a combination        thereof. L-3 may undergo one or more pressure and/or other        energy recovery steps, or LL-2 may undergo one or more pressure        and/or other energy recovery steps, or a combination thereof.        LL-2 may be transferred to step ‘2)’. L-3 may be labeled L-4 in        Step ‘3)’.    -   2) Separation of Multi-Liquid Phase Permeate: LL-2 may comprise        a multi-liquid phase mixture. LL-2 may be separated into at        least a portion of the multi-liquid phase mixture's constituent        liquid phases. Said multi-liquid phase mixture's constituent        liquid phases may, for example, comprise a liquid phase        predominantly comprising one or more ‘low solubility reagents’        (L-5) and, for example, may comprise another liquid phase        predominantly comprising one or more UCST solvent reagents        (L-7). L-7 may be labeled L-8 in transfer to step ‘4)’.    -   3) Heat Absorbing UCST Phase Change: L-4, which may comprise        UCST solvent with greater concentrations of one or more CST        reagents relative to L-2, may be mixed with L-5, which may        comprise a liquid phase predominantly comprising one or more        ‘low solubility reagents’. Said mixing may result in a phase        transition, which may be endothermic, which may involve        dissolution and may involve forming a single liquid phase        combined solution (L-6). Said mixing may occur before, during,        or after or a combination thereof one or more heat exchangers        (Heat Exchanger #2), which may heat exchange (HE-2) with one or        more applications requiring cooling, or heat removal, or        enthalpy sources, or a combination thereof. The liquid system        may absorb heat during said phase transition. Step ‘3)’ may, if        desired, occur at a similar or lower temperature than Step ‘1)’.    -   4) Mixing ‘UCST solvent’ Permeate Phase with Solution Previously        Mixed with ‘Low Solubility Reagent’ Permeate Phase: L-8 may be        mixed with L-6 (‘Mix #1’), which may result in dissolution,        which may form a combined single liquid phase solution (L-1),        which may contain the constituent reagents of the end-to-end        liquid system. Said dissolution may be heat releasing or        exothermic.

Note: One or more reagents may be stored, for example, in bufferstorage. Fresh streams or makeup streams or new inputs may be employedif desired.

FIG. 7:

FIG. 7 Example Summary of Advantages:

FIG. 7—Example Step by Step Description—UCST Liquid System RefrigerationCycle, Employing Membrane-Based Concentrating of UCST Increasing Reagent

-   -   1) Concentrating UCST Increasing Reagents using One or More        Membrane Based Processes and Potentially Heat Releasing        (Potentially Exothermic) Phase Change: L-1 may be pressurized        using one or more pumps or energy recover devices or a        combination thereof (P-1), which may form a pressurized feed        solution (L-2) to one or more membrane-based processes (for        example: Reverse Osmosis ‘RO’ or Low Molecular Weight Cutoff        Nanofiltration ‘Low MWCO NF’). Said membrane-based process may        separate L-2 into, for example, one or more concentrate streams        (LL-1, and, may comprise LL-2 following pressure recovery) which        may comprise a multi-liquid phase mixture of ‘low solubility        reagent’ and UCST solvent with greater concentrations of one or        more UCST increasing reagents relative to L-2 and, for example,        one or more permeate streams (L-3 and L-4), which may comprise a        single liquid phase solution with a lower concentration of one        or more UCST increasing reagents relative to L-2. Said        concentrate stream may comprise UCST solvent and ‘low solubility        reagent’ with a higher concentration of one or more UCST        increasing reagents, which may result in the permeate phase        transitioning into two or more liquid phases due to, for        example, the increasing in UCST temperature from the increase in        concentration of UCST increasing reagents. Said phase transition        into two or more liquid phases in the concentrate stream may be,        for example, exothermic. Said phase transition may occur before,        during, or after or a combination thereof one or more heat        exchangers (Heat Exchanger #1), which may heat exchange (HE-1)        with one or more applications requiring one or more applications        requiring heating, or heat sinks, or evaporative cooling, or a        combination thereof. Said heat exchangers may heat exchange        directly or indirectly with the membrane-based process, or with        the one or more permeate streams exiting said membrane-based        process or a combination thereof. L-3 may undergo one or more        pressure and/or other energy recovery steps, or LL-2 may undergo        one or more pressure and/or other energy recovery steps, or a        combination thereof. LL-2 may be transferred to step ‘2)’. L-3        may be labeled L-4 in Step ‘2)’.    -   2) Mixing Permeate and Concentrate Streams (Potentially Heat        Absorbing) Dissolution Phase Change: LL-2 may be mixed with L-4.        Said mixing may result in a phase transition, which may be        endothermic, which may involve dissolution and may involve        forming a single liquid phase combined solution (L-1). Said        mixing may occur before, during, or after or a combination        thereof one or more heat exchangers (Heat Exchanger #2), which        may heat exchange (HE-2) with one or more applications requiring        cooling, or heat removal, or enthalpy sources, or a combination        thereof. The liquid system may absorb heat during said phase        transition. Step ‘2)’ may, if desired, occur at a similar or        lower temperature than Step ‘1)’.

Note: Said concentrate stream comprising a multi-liquid phase mixturemay undergo separation, at least in part, into its constituent liquidphases. One or more of the constituent liquid phases of the concentratestream may be mixed with the permeate stream before or after orsimultaneously, or a combination thereof one or more other constituentliquid phases of the concentrate stream.

Note: The present embodiment may employ a LCST phase change and LCSTreducing reagents, in which case, exothermic and endothermic steps inthe UCST system may be respectively reversed in the LCST system and UCSTincreasing reagents may be substituted with LCST reducing reagents.

FIG. 8:

FIG. 8 Example Summary of Advantages:

Summary Description: FIG. 8 shows an example refrigeration cycleemploying membrane based process to form a concentrate and permeatestream from a multi-liquid phase mixture and may facilitate endothermicdissolution during said membrane based process in the retentatesolution. The present embodiment may reduce or eliminate the need for amulti-liquid phase separation device preceding the membrane basedconcentrating step. The present embodiment may also enable in situ heatabsorption phase transition during membrane-based concentrating.

FIG. 9:

FIG. 9 Example Summary of Advantages: May enable greater temperaturedifference between heat absorbing and heat releasing stages, allowing,for example, for high efficiency liquid phase change refrigerationcycles to operate with greater temperature difference demands, whichmay, for example, enable a wider range of applications which may requirea greater temperature difference between heated and cooled sides of arefrigeration or heat pump system.

Summary Description: One or more refrigeration cycles may beinterconnected with one or more other refrigeration cycles. For example,the heat releasing side of one refrigeration cycle may be interconnectedto one or more heat absorbing sides of another refrigeration cycle.Different refrigeration cycles, for example, refrigeration cycles withdifferent operating principles or the same operating principles or both,may be interconnected. Refrigeration cycle may also refer to a heat pumpcycle.

FIG. 10:

FIG. 10 Example Summary of Advantages:

FIG. 10—Example Step by Step Description—UCST Volatile Gas AbsorptionRefrigeration Cycle with Cool Input UCST Phase Change

-   -   1) Evaporation of a Portion of Liquid Phase Comprising        Substantially ‘Low Solubility Reagent’ (Heat Absorption): A        volatile liquid (L-3), which may comprise substantially ‘Low        Solubility Reagent’ (although may comprise other residual        reagents), enters one or more evaporators (‘Evaporator’), which        may reduce the pressure and/or facilitate the evaporation of at        least a portion of the liquid into the gaseous phase (G-1). Said        evaporation may be endothermic and may be heat exchanged (HE-1)        with one or more applications requiring cooling, or heat        sources, or enthalpy sources, or a combination thereof (‘Cooled        by HE-1’). Due to, for example, the presence of residual        non-volatile and/or less volatile reagents, a stream comprising,        for example, residual UCST solvent and/or CST reagent, may also        exit said evaporator as a liquid or solid or a combination        thereof (L-4, note: in the present figure, L-4 may comprise a        liquid).    -   2) Compression: G-1, which may comprise substantially gaseous        ‘Low Solubility Reagent’, may enter one or more compressors,        which may compress G-1 to form, for example, pressurized G-1        (G-2).    -   3) Absorption of ‘Low Solubility Reagent’ (Heat Release): G-2        may be absorbed into stream L-2, or stream L-4, or a combination        thereof, which may result in a combined solution (L-1). Said        absorption may be exothermic and may be heat exchanged (HE-2)        with one or more applications requiring heating, or cool        sources, or cool sink, or evaporative cooling, or enthalpy        sources, or a combination thereof (‘Heated by HE-2’).    -   4) Cooling Below UCST to Form Multi-Liquid Phase Mixture: L-1        may be cooled to at or below its UCST, which may result in the        formation of a multi-liquid phase mixture (LL-1). Said cooling        may involve heat exchange (HE-3) with a small portion of HE-1,        or cooling from evaporative cooling, or non-parasitic sources of        cooling, or air cooling, or a combination thereof (‘Minor        Cooling’). It may be important to note the cooling requirement        in ‘Minor Cooling’ may be lower or significantly lower than the        heat absorbed or cooling generated in the ‘Evaporator’.    -   5) Separation of Multi-Liquid Phase Mixture into Constituent        Reagents: LL-1 may comprise a mixture of a constituent liquid        phase comprising substantially UCST solvent and CST reagent and        a constituent liquid phase comprising substantially ‘low        solubility reagent’. Said constituent liquid phases may be at        least partially separated, which may form a stream comprising        substantially UCST solvent and CST reagent (L-2) and a stream        comprising substantially ‘low solubility reagent’ (L-3).

Note: Example Reagents, may include, but are not limited to, one or moreor a combination of the following:

-   -   UCST solvent Reagent (for example: Water)    -   CST reagent (for example: PPG, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethyl        Ether (PEGDME), PEG, or a combination thereof)    -   Low Solubility Reagent or Refrigerant (may comprise a volatile        liquid with low solubility in water, however miscible solubility        in CST reagent, for example: ethyl acetate, methyl acetate,        methyl formate, dimethyl ether, diethyl ether, dimethoxymethane,        diethoxymethane, carbon dioxide, or a combination thereof)

Note: The present embodiment may employ active cloud point adjustment.For example, one or more embodiments describing active cloud pointadjustment herein may be employed.

FIG. 11:

FIG. 11 Example Summary of Advantages:

FIG. 11—Example Step by Step Description—UCST Volatile Gas AbsorptionRefrigeration Cycle with Permeate Addition UCST Phase Change

-   -   1) Evaporation of a Portion of Liquid Phase Comprising        Substantially ‘Low Solubility Reagent’ (Heat Absorption): A        volatile liquid (L-3), which may comprise substantially ‘Low        Solubility Reagent’ (although may comprise other residual        reagents), may enter one or more evaporators (‘Evaporator’),        which may reduce the pressure and/or facilitate the evaporation        of at least a portion of the liquid into the gaseous phase        (G-1). Said evaporation may be endothermic and may be heat        exchanged (HE-1) with one or more applications requiring        cooling, or heat sources, or enthalpy sources, or a combination        thereof (‘Cooled by HE-1’). Due to, for example, the presence of        residual non-volatile and/or less volatile reagents, a stream        comprising, for example, residual UCST solvent and/or CST        reagent, may also exit said evaporator as a liquid or solid or a        combination thereof (L-4, note: in the present figure, L-4 may        comprise a liquid).    -   2) Compression: G-1, which may comprise substantially gaseous        ‘Low Solubility Reagent’, may enter one or more compressors,        which may compress G-1 to form, for example, pressurized G-1        (G-2).    -   3) Absorption of ‘Low Solubility Reagent’ (Heat Release): G-2        may be absorbed into stream L-6, or stream L-4, or a combination        thereof, which may result in a combined solution (L-1). Said        absorption may be exothermic and may be heat exchanged (HE-2)        with one or more applications requiring heating, or cool        sources, or cool sink, or evaporative cooling, or enthalpy        sources, or a combination thereof (‘Heated by HE-2’).    -   4) Phase Transition Induced by Reagent Addition (Heat Release):        Permeate or permeate equivalent (L-8), which may comprise        substantially UCST solvent, may be added to L-1, which may        result in a phase transition forming a multi-liquid phase        mixture (LL-1). Said phase transition may be exothermic and may        be heat exchanged (HE-3) with one or more applications requiring        heating, or heat sinks, or evaporative cooling, or a combination        thereof (‘Heated by HE-3).    -   5) Separation of Multi-Liquid Phase Mixture into Constituent        Reagents: LL-1 may comprise a mixture of a constituent liquid        phase comprising substantially UCST solvent and CST reagent and        a constituent liquid phase comprising substantially ‘low        solubility reagent’. Said constituent liquid phases may be at        least partially separated, which may form a stream comprising        substantially UCST solvent and CST reagent (L-2) and a stream        comprising substantially ‘low solubility reagent’ (L-3). L-3 may        be transferred to step ‘1)’. L-2 may be transferred to step        ‘6)’.    -   6) Concentrating One or More CST reagents and Recovering Added        Permeate using One or More Membrane Based Processes: L-2 may be        pressurized using one or more pumps or energy recover devices or        a combination thereof (P-1), which may form a pressurized feed        solution (L-5) to one or more membrane-based processes (for        example: Nanofiltration, ‘NF’). Said nanofiltration may separate        L-5 into, for example, one or more concentrate streams (L-6)        which may comprise UCST solvent with greater concentrations of        one or more CST reagents relative to L-2 and, for example, one        or more permeate streams (L-7) which may comprise UCST solvent        with lower concentrations of one or more CST reagents relative        to L-2 or may comprise UCST solvent free of one or more CST        reagents. L-6 may undergo one or more pressure and/or other        energy recovery steps, or L-7 may undergo one or more pressure        and/or other energy recovery steps, or a combination thereof.        L-7 may be transferred to one or more ‘Permeate Storage’ vessels        and/or step ‘1)’. L-6 may be transferred to step ‘1)’.

Note: The present embodiment may also or alternatively be employed as aheat or cool transfer system.

FIG. 12:

FIG. 12 Example Summary of Advantages:

FIG. 12—Example Step by Step Description—LCST Volatile Gas AbsorptionRefrigeration Cycle with Heat Input LCST Phase Change

-   -   1) Evaporation of a Portion of Liquid Phase Comprising        Substantially Refrigerant (Heat Absorption): L-3, which may        comprise substantially refrigerant and LCST reagent, may enter        one or more evaporators (‘Evaporator’) which may reduce the        pressure and/or facilitate the evaporation of at least a portion        of refrigerant into the gaseous phase (G-1). Said evaporation        may be endothermic and may be heat exchanged (HE-1) with one or        more applications requiring cooling, or heat sources, or        enthalpy sources, or a combination thereof (‘Cooled by HE-1’).        During or following evaporation, remaining solution (L-4), which        may comprise LCST reagent and residual refrigerant, may be        transferred to the absorber stage or may be mixed with L-2 or        may be transferred to step ‘3)’ or a combination thereof.    -   2) Compression: G-1, which may comprise substantially gaseous        refrigerant, may enter one or more compressors, which may        compress G-1 to form, for example, pressurized G-1 (G-2).    -   3) Absorption of Refrigerant (Heat Release): G-2 may be absorbed        into stream L-2, or stream L-4, or a combination thereof, which        may result in a combined solution (L-1). Said absorption may be        exothermic and may be heat exchanged (HE-2) with one or more        applications requiring heating, or cool sources, or cool sink,        or evaporative cooling, or enthalpy sources, or a combination        thereof (‘Heated by HE-2’).    -   4) Heating Above LCST to Form Multi-Liquid Phase Mixture: (Heat        Absorbing): L-1 may be heated to at or above its LCST, which may        result in the formation of a multi-liquid phase mixture (LL-1).        Said heat exchanging may involve heat exchange (HE-3) with a one        or more heat sources, one or more applications requiring        cooling, or waste heat, or compressor waste heat, or        non-parasitic sources of heating, or other sources of heating,        or a combination thereof (‘Minor Heating’).    -   5) Separation of Multi-Liquid Phase Mixture into Constituent        Reagents: LL-1 may comprise a mixture of a constituent liquid        phase comprising substantially LCST solvent reagent and a        constituent liquid phase comprising substantially refrigerant        and LCST reagent. Said constituent liquid phases may be at least        partially separated, which may form a stream comprising        substantially LCST reagent (L-2) and a stream comprising        substantially refrigerant and LCST reagent (L-3).

Note: Refrigerant may comprise LCST binder reagent.

EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Example Embodiments 1 [UCST]

-   -   A refrigeration or heat pump cycle comprising:        -   1) A heat absorbing step wherein two or more liquid phases            are mixed and dissolve endothermically; and 2) A heat            releasing step wherein a single liquid phase or liquid            phases of different compositions or volumes exothermically            phase transition into two or more liquid phases and/or into            liquid phases of different compositions or volumes        -   Further comprising adjusting the concentrations or            compositions of one or more liquid phases between, before,            during or after, or a combination thereof step ‘1)’ or step            ‘2)’ such that the phase transition temperature of step ‘1)’            is different than the phase transition temperature of step            ‘2)’    -   A refrigeration or heat pump cycle comprising:        -   1) A heat absorbing step wherein two or more liquid phases            are mixed and dissolve endothermically; and 2) A heat            releasing step wherein a single liquid phase or liquid            phases of different compositions or volumes exothermically            phase transition into two or more liquid phases and/or into            liquid phases of different compositions or volumes        -   Further comprising adjusting the concentrations or            compositions or pressure of one or more liquid phases            between, before, during or after, or a combination thereof            step ‘1)’ or step ‘2)’ such that the phase transition            temperature of step ‘1)’ is different than the phase            transition temperature of step ‘2)’    -   A refrigeration or heat pump cycle comprising:        -   1) A heat absorbing step wherein two or more liquid phases            are mixed and dissolve endothermically; and 2) A heat            releasing step wherein a single liquid phase or liquid            phases of different compositions or volumes exothermically            phase transition into two or more liquid phases and/or into            liquid phases of different compositions or volumes        -   Further comprising adjusting the phase transition            temperature between, before, during or after, or a            combination thereof step ‘ 1)’ or step ‘2)’ such that the            phase transition temperature of step ‘1)’ is different than            the phase transition temperature of step ‘2)’    -   A refrigeration or heat pump cycle comprising:        -   1) A heat absorbing step wherein two or more liquid phases            are mixed and/or dissolve endothermically; and 2) A heat            releasing step wherein a single liquid phase and/or liquid            phases of different compositions or volumes exothermically            form two or more liquid phases and/or into liquid phases of            different compositions or volumes        -   Further comprising adjusting the concentrations or            compositions of one or more liquid phases between, before,            during or after, or a combination thereof step ‘1)’ or step            ‘2)’ such that the phase transition temperature of step ‘1)’            is different than the phase transition temperature of step            ‘2)’    -   A refrigeration or heat pump cycle comprising:        -   1) A heat absorbing step wherein two or more liquid phases            are mixed and dissolve endothermically; and 2) A heat            releasing step wherein a single liquid phase and/or liquid            phases of different compositions or volumes exothermically            form two or more liquid phases and/or into liquid phases of            different compositions or volumes        -   Further comprising adjusting the phase transition            temperature between, before, during or after, or a            combination thereof step ‘1)’ or step ‘2)’ such that the            phase transition temperature of step ‘1)’ is different than            the phase transition temperature of step ‘2)’

Example Embodiments 2 [LCST]

-   -   A refrigeration or heat pump cycle comprising:        -   1) A heat releasing step wherein two or more liquid phases            are mixed and dissolve exothermically; and 2) A heat            absorbing step wherein a single liquid phase or liquid            phases of different compositions or volumes endothermically            phase transition into two or more liquid phases and/or into            liquid phases of different compositions or volumes        -   Further comprising adjusting the concentrations or            compositions of one or more liquid phases between, before,            during or after, or a combination thereof step ‘1)’ or step            ‘2)’ such that the phase transition temperature of step ‘1)’            is different than the phase transition temperature of step            ‘2)’    -   A refrigeration or heat pump cycle comprising:        -   1) A heat releasing step wherein two or more liquid phases            are mixed and dissolve exothermically; and 2) A heat            absorbing step wherein a single liquid phase or liquid            phases of different compositions or volumes endothermically            phase transition into two or more liquid phases and/or into            liquid phases of different compositions or volumes        -   Further comprising adjusting the concentrations or            compositions or pressure of one or more liquid phases            between, before, during or after, or a combination thereof            step ‘ 1)’ or step ‘2)’ such that the phase transition            temperature of step ‘1)’ is different than the phase            transition temperature of step ‘2)’    -   A refrigeration or heat pump cycle comprising:        -   1) A heat releasing step wherein two or more liquid phases            are mixed and dissolve exothermically; and 2) A heat            absorbing step wherein a single liquid phase or liquid            phases of different compositions or volumes endothermically            form two or more liquid phases and/or into liquid phases of            different compositions or volumes        -   Further comprising adjusting the phase transition            temperature between, before, during or after, or a            combination thereof step ‘1)’ or step ‘2)’ such that the            phase transition temperature of step ‘1)’ is different than            the phase transition temperature of step ‘2)’    -   A refrigeration or heat pump cycle comprising:        -   1) A heat releasing step wherein two or more liquid phases            are mixed and dissolve exothermically; and 2) A heat            absorbing step wherein a single liquid phase and/or liquid            phases of different compositions or volumes endothermically            phase transition into two or more liquid phases and/or into            liquid phases of different compositions or volumes        -   Further comprising adjusting the concentrations or            compositions of one or more liquid phases between, before,            during or after, or a combination thereof step ‘1)’ or step            ‘2)’ such that the phase transition temperature of one or            more liquid solutions in step ‘1)’ is different than the            phase transition temperature of one or more solutions in            step ‘2)’    -   A refrigeration or heat pump cycle comprising:        -   1) A heat releasing step wherein two or more liquid phases            are mixed and dissolve exothermically; and 2) A heat            absorbing step wherein a single liquid phase and/or liquid            phases of different compositions or volumes endothermically            phase transition into two or more liquid phases and/or into            liquid phases of different compositions or volumes        -   Further comprising adjusting the phase transition            temperature between, before, during or after, or a            combination thereof step ‘1)’ or step ‘2)’ such that the            phase transition temperature of step ‘1)’ is different than            the phase transition temperature of step ‘2)’

Example Sub-Embodiments

-   -   Wherein said multi-liquid phase mixture may be separated, at        least in part, into constituent liquid phases    -   Wherein said adjusting the phase transition temperature involves        adjusting the composition, concentration or a combination        thereof of one or more separated liquid phases from the        multi-liquid phase mixture    -   Wherein said adjusting the phase transition temperature involves        adjusting the composition, concentration or a combination        thereof of one or more reagents in one or more separated liquid        phases which may have been separated from a multi-liquid phase        mixture    -   Wherein said adjusting the phase transition temperature involves        adjusting the composition, concentration or a combination        thereof of one or more reagents in a combined solution    -   Wherein said adjusting the phase transition temperature results        in said heat releasing step occurring, at least in part, at a        different temperature than said heat absorbing step    -   Wherein said adjusting the phase transition temperature results        in said heat releasing occurring, at least in part, at a greater        temperature than said heat absorbing    -   Wherein said adjusting the phase transition temperature is        reversible    -   Wherein said adjusting the concentrations or compositions of one        or more liquid phases is reversed within the cycle    -   Wherein said cycle is continuous, semi-continuous, batch, or a        combination thereof    -   Wherein said adjusting the phase transition temperature involves        the addition of one or more reagents    -   Wherein said adjusting the phase transition temperature involves        increasing the concentration of one or more reagents using one        or more membrane-based processes    -   Wherein said adjusting the phase transition temperature involves        decreasing or diluting the concentration of one or more reagents        using the addition of permeate and/or permeate equivalent    -   Wherein said adjusting the phase transition temperature involves        the addition of one or more reagents    -   Wherein said one or more reagents are regenerated within the        cycle    -   Wherein said adjusting the concentrations or compositions of one        or more liquid phases may be conducted using one or more        membrane based processes    -   Wherein said one or more membrane based processes comprise one        or more or a combination of the following: reverse osmosis, or        nanofiltration, or ultrafiltration, or osmotically assisted        membrane based process, or forward osmosis    -   Wherein said phase transition comprises a UCST, LCST, or both,        or a combination thereof    -   The process of claim 1 wherein there are more than one of one or        more or a combination of the following steps: heat absorbing,        heat releasing, or cloud point adjusting,

Example Embodiments 3 [UCST Absorption Refrigeration Cycle]

-   -   An absorption refrigeration cycle comprising:        -   An absorption solution comprising water and one or more CST            reagents        -   A refrigerant which exhibits substantial or miscible            solubility in said absorption solution above one or more            temperatures and limited solubility or immiscible solubility            below one or more of said temperatures        -   Wherein a solution comprising said absorption solution and            refrigerant exhibits one or more upper critical solution            temperatures    -   An absorption refrigeration cycle comprising:        -   An absorption solution        -   A refrigerant which exhibits substantial or miscible            solubility in said absorption solution above one or more            temperatures and limited solubility or immiscible solubility            below one or more of said temperatures        -   Wherein a solution comprising said absorption solution and            refrigerant exhibits one or more upper critical solution            temperatures    -   An absorption refrigeration cycle comprising:        -   An absorption solution        -   A refrigerant which exhibits one or more UCSTs in a solution            comprising refrigerant and absorption solution    -   An absorption refrigeration cycle comprising:        -   An absorption solution comprising UCST solvent and one or            more CST reagents        -   A refrigerant which exhibits substantial or miscible            solubility in said absorption solution above one or more            temperatures and limited solubility or immiscible solubility            below one or more of said temperatures        -   Wherein a solution comprising said absorption solution and            refrigerant exhibits one or more upper critical solution            temperatures    -   An absorption refrigeration cycle comprising:        -   An absorption solution comprising UCST solvent and one or            more CST reagents        -   A refrigerant which exhibits UCST solubility in said            absorption solution    -   An absorption refrigeration cycle comprising:        -   An absorption solution comprising UCST solvent and one or            more CST reagents        -   A refrigerant which exhibits UCST solubility in a solution            dissolved with or in said absorption solution    -   An absorption refrigeration cycle comprising:        -   An absorption solution comprising solvent and one or more            CST reagents        -   A refrigerant which exhibits UCST solubility in said            absorption solution

Example Sub-Embodiments

-   -   Wherein refrigerant is evaporated in a heat absorbing step and        absorbed into said absorption solution in a heat releasing step,        forming an absorption solution-refrigerant solution    -   Wherein the UCST of said absorption solution-refrigerant        solution is adjusted such that said absorption        solution-refrigerant solution phase transitions into a        multi-liquid phase mixture    -   Wherein said multi-liquid phase mixture comprises at least one        liquid phase comprising predominantly refrigerant    -   Wherein said multi-liquid phase mixture comprises at least one        liquid phase comprising predominantly absorption solution    -   Wherein said multi-liquid phase mixture is separated, at least        in part, into constituent liquid phases    -   Wherein said UCST adjusting occurs by adding solvent    -   Wherein said solvent is regenerated from said liquid phase        comprising predominantly absorption solution by separating at        least a portion of solvent using one or more membrane-based        processes    -   Wherein refrigerant is evaporated in a heat absorbing step and        absorbed into said absorption solution in a heat releasing step,        forming an absorption solution-refrigerant solution    -   Wherein the UCST of said absorption solution-refrigerant        solution is adjusted such that said absorption        solution-refrigerant solution phase transitions into a        multi-liquid phase mixture    -   Wherein said phase transition into a multi-liquid phase mixture        may also comprise a heat releasing step    -   Wherein said multi-liquid phase mixture comprises at least one        liquid phase comprising predominantly refrigerant    -   Wherein said multi-liquid phase mixture comprises at least one        liquid phase comprising predominantly absorption solution    -   Wherein said multi-liquid phase mixture is separated, at least        in part, into constituent liquid phases    -   Wherein said UCST adjusting occurs by adding solvent    -   Wherein said solvent is regenerated from said liquid phase        comprising predominantly absorption solution by separating at        least a portion of solvent using one or more membrane-based        processes    -   Wherein refrigerant is evaporated in a heat absorbing step and        absorbed into said absorption solution in a heat releasing step,        forming an absorption solution—refrigerant solution    -   Wherein said absorption solution—refrigerant solution is cooled        or composition adjusted, or a combination thereof such that said        absorption solution—refrigerant solution phase transitions into        a multi-liquid phase mixture    -   Wherein said phase transition into a multi-liquid phase mixture        may also comprise a heat releasing step    -   Wherein said multi-liquid phase mixture comprises at least one        liquid phase comprising predominantly refrigerant    -   Wherein said multi-liquid phase mixture comprises at least one        liquid phase comprising predominantly absorption solution    -   Wherein said multi-liquid phase mixture is separated, at least        in part, into constituent liquid phases    -   Wherein said UCST adjusting occurs by adding solvent    -   Wherein said solvent is regenerated from said liquid phase        comprising predominantly absorption solution by separating at        least a portion of solvent using one or more membrane-based        processes    -   Wherein refrigerant is evaporated in a heat absorbing step and        absorbed into said absorption solution in a heat releasing step,        forming an absorption solution—refrigerant solution    -   Wherein said absorption solution—refrigerant solution is cooled        or a combination thereof such that said absorption        solution—refrigerant solution phase transitions into a        multi-liquid phase mixture    -   Wherein said phase transition into a multi-liquid phase mixture        may also comprise a heat releasing step    -   Wherein said multi-liquid phase mixture comprises at least one        liquid phase comprising predominantly refrigerant    -   Wherein said multi-liquid phase mixture comprises at least one        liquid phase comprising predominantly absorption solution    -   Wherein said multi-liquid phase mixture is separated, at least        in part, into constituent liquid phases    -   Wherein refrigerant is evaporated in a heat absorbing step and        absorbed into said absorption solution in a heat releasing step,        forming an absorption solution—refrigerant solution    -   Wherein the UCST of said absorption solution—refrigerant        solution is adjusted such that said absorption        solution—refrigerant solution phase transitions into a        multi-liquid phase mixture    -   Wherein said phase transition into a multi-liquid phase mixture        may also comprise a heat releasing step    -   Wherein said multi-liquid phase mixture comprises at least one        liquid phase comprising predominantly refrigerant    -   Wherein said multi-liquid phase mixture comprises at least one        liquid phase comprising predominantly absorption solution    -   Wherein said multi-liquid phase mixture is separated, at least        in part, into constituent liquid phases    -   Wherein said UCST adjusting occurs by adding solvent    -   Wherein said solvent is regenerated from said liquid phase        comprising predominantly absorption solution by separating at        least a portion of solvent using one or more membrane-based        processes    -   Wherein refrigerant liquid phase is regenerated by adjusting the        concentration, composition, or a combination thereof of        absorption solution—refrigerant solution such that the UCST        increases and the absorption solution—refrigerant solution phase        transitions into two or more liquid phases,    -   Wherein at least one of said liquid phases comprises        predominantly refrigerant    -   Wherein at least one of said liquid phases comprises        predominantly absorption solution    -   Wherein refrigerant liquid phase is regenerated by adding water        or ‘solvent’ to absorption solution—refrigerant such that the        UCST increases and the liquid system phase transitions into two        or more liquid phases,    -   Wherein at least one of said liquid phases comprises        predominantly refrigerant    -   Wherein said two or more liquid phases are at least in part        separated    -   Wherein said water or ‘solvent’ is regenerated using one or more        membrane-based processes from at least one of said liquid        streams or liquid phases or separated liquid phases    -   Wherein said liquid phase comprising predominantly refrigerant        may contain residual other reagents    -   Wherein said liquid phase comprising predominantly refrigerant        may contain residual absorption solution    -   Wherein said liquid phase comprising predominantly refrigerant        may contain residual absorption solution reagents Further        comprising returning said residual reagents to the absorption        stage before, during, or following the evaporation of        refrigerant    -   Wherein said liquid phase comprising predominantly absorption        solution may contain residual other reagents    -   Wherein said liquid phase comprising predominantly absorption        solution may contain residual refrigerant    -   Wherein said liquid phase comprising predominantly absorption        solution may contain residual refrigerant reagents    -   Wherein absorption solution liquid phase comprises one or more        or a combination of the following: UCST solvent, CST reagent,        high solubility reagent, low solubility reagent, residual low        solubility reagent which may comprise refrigerant, residual        refrigerant, UCST increasing reagent, or a combination thereof    -   Wherein refrigerant liquid phase comprises one or more or a        combination of the following: refrigerant, low solubility        reagent, low solubility reagent which may comprise refrigerant,        residual high solubility reagent, residual UCST solvent,        residual CST reagent, residual UCST increasing reagent, or a        combination thereof    -   Wherein absorption solution comprises one or more or a        combination of the following: water, ammonia, amine, salts,        organic solvent, polar organic solvent, reagents with        temperature sensitive solubility, reagents with temperature        sensitive osmotic pressure, reagents with LCST in water,        reagents with UCST in water, CST reagent, organic compound,        polypropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol        dimethyl ether    -   Wherein refrigerant comprises one or more or a combination of        the following: methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, alcohol, ester,        dimethyl ether, diethyl ether, methyl formate, aldehyde, ether,        diol, ketone, hydrocarbon, cyclic hydrocarbon, polar        hydrocarbon, non-polar hydrocarbon, inorganic compound,        inorganic reagent

Example Embodiments 3 [LCST Absorption Refrigeration Cycle]

-   -   An absorption refrigeration cycle comprising:        -   An absorption solution comprising LCST reagent        -   A refrigerant liquid phase comprising LCST solvent reagent        -   Wherein a solution comprising refrigerant and LCST reagent            exhibits one or more LCSTs    -   An absorption refrigeration cycle comprising:        -   An absorption solution comprising LCST reagent, or LCST            binder reagent, or a combination thereof        -   A refrigerant liquid phase comprising LCST solvent reagent        -   Wherein a solution comprising refrigerant, LCST reagent, and            LCST binder reagent exhibits one or more LCSTs    -   An absorption refrigeration cycle comprising:        -   An absorption solution comprising one or more CST reagents        -   A refrigerant liquid phase comprising water, ammonia, or a            combination thereof        -   Wherein a solution comprising refrigerant and LCST reagent            exhibits one or more LCSTs    -   An absorption refrigeration cycle comprising:        -   An absorption solution comprising one or more CST reagents            and one or more non-volatile binder reagents    -   A refrigerant liquid phase comprising water, ammonia, or a        combination thereof        -   Wherein a solution comprising refrigerant and LCST reagent            exhibits one or more LCSTs

Example Sub-Embodiments

-   -   Wherein refrigerant is evaporated in a heat absorbing step and        absorbed into said absorption solution in a heat releasing step,        forming an absorption solution—refrigerant solution    -   Wherein said absorption solution—refrigerant solution phase        transitions into a multi-liquid phase mixture    -   Wherein said multi-liquid phase mixture comprises at least one        liquid phase comprising predominantly refrigerant    -   Wherein said multi-liquid phase mixture comprises at least one        liquid phase comprising predominantly absorption solution    -   Wherein said multi-liquid phase mixture is separated, at least        in part, into constituent liquid phases    -   Wherein refrigerant is evaporated in a heat absorbing step and        absorbed into said absorption solution in a heat releasing step,        forming an absorption solution—refrigerant solution    -   Wherein said absorption solution—refrigerant solution phase        transitions into a multi-liquid phase mixture    -   Wherein said multi-liquid phase mixture comprises at least one        liquid phase comprising predominantly refrigerant    -   Wherein said multi-liquid phase mixture comprises at least one        liquid phase comprising predominantly absorption solution    -   Wherein said multi-liquid phase mixture is separated, at least        in part, into constituent liquid phases    -   Wherein said liquid phase comprising predominantly refrigerant        is employed in said refrigerant evaporating stage    -   Wherein said liquid phase comprising predominantly absorption        solution is employed in said absorption stage    -   Wherein residual reagents following said evaporator stage may be        employed in said absorption stage    -   Wherein refrigerant is evaporated in a heat absorbing step and        absorbed into said absorption solution in a heat releasing step,        forming an absorption solution—refrigerant solution    -   Wherein said absorption solution—refrigerant solution phase        transitions into a multi-liquid phase mixture    -   Wherein said multi-liquid phase mixture comprises at least one        liquid phase comprising predominantly refrigerant    -   Wherein said multi-liquid phase mixture comprises at least one        liquid phase comprising predominantly absorption solution    -   Wherein said multi-liquid phase mixture is separated, at least        in part, into constituent liquid phases    -   Wherein said liquid phase comprising predominantly refrigerant        is employed in said refrigerant evaporating stage    -   Wherein said liquid phase comprising predominantly absorption        solution is employed in said absorption stage    -   Wherein residual reagents following said evaporator stage may be        employed in said absorption stage

Example Embodiments 4 [LCST Absorption Refrigeration Cycle]

-   -   An absorption refrigeration cycle comprising:        -   An absorption solution comprising water        -   A refrigerant liquid phase comprising refrigerant and LCST            reagent        -   Wherein said refrigerant liquid phase exhibits one or more            LCSTs in a solution comprising refrigerant, LCST reagent,            and water    -   An absorption refrigeration cycle comprising:        -   An absorption solution comprising water        -   A refrigerant liquid phase comprising refrigerant and LCST            reagent        -   Wherein said refrigerant liquid phase exhibits one or more            LCSTs in a solution comprising refrigerant, CST reagent, and            water        -   Wherein said refrigerant comprises an LCST binder reagent    -   An absorption refrigeration cycle comprising:        -   An absorption solution comprising LCST solvent reagent        -   A refrigerant liquid phase comprising refrigerant and LCST            reagent        -   Wherein said refrigerant liquid phase exhibits one or more            LCSTs in a solution comprising refrigerant, CST reagent, and            water        -   Wherein said refrigerant exhibits one or more properties of            an LCST binder reagent    -   An absorption refrigeration cycle comprising:        -   An absorption solution comprising water        -   A refrigerant liquid phase comprising refrigerant and CST            reagent        -   Wherein said refrigerant liquid phase exhibits one or more            cloud point temperatures in a solution comprising            refrigerant, CST reagent, and water    -   An absorption refrigeration cycle comprising:        -   An absorption solution comprising solvent        -   A refrigerant liquid phase comprising refrigerant and CST            reagent        -   Wherein said refrigerant liquid phase exhibits one or more            cloud point temperatures in a solution comprising            refrigerant, CST reagent, and solvent    -   An absorption refrigeration cycle comprising:        -   An absorption solution comprising water        -   A refrigerant liquid phase comprising refrigerant and LCST            reagent        -   Wherein said refrigerant liquid phase exhibits one or more            LCSTs in a solution of refrigerant liquid phase and            absorption solution    -   An absorption refrigeration cycle comprising:        -   An absorption solution comprising water        -   A refrigerant liquid phase comprising refrigerant and CST            reagent        -   Wherein said refrigerant liquid phase exhibits one or more            cloud point temperatures in a solution of refrigerant liquid            phase and absorption solution    -   An absorption refrigeration cycle comprising:        -   An absorption solution comprising solvent        -   A refrigerant liquid phase comprising refrigerant and LCST            reagent        -   Wherein said refrigerant liquid phase exhibits one or more            LCSTs in a solution comprising refrigerant, CST reagent, and            water

Example Sub-Embodiments

-   -   Wherein refrigerant is evaporated in a heat absorbing step and        absorbed into said absorption solution in a heat releasing step,        forming an absorption solution—refrigerant solution    -   Wherein said absorption solution—refrigerant solution phase        transitions into a multi-liquid phase mixture    -   Wherein said multi-liquid phase mixture comprises at least one        liquid phase comprising predominantly refrigerant and LCST        reagent    -   Wherein said multi-liquid phase mixture comprises at least one        liquid phase comprising predominantly LCST solvent reagent    -   Wherein said multi-liquid phase mixture is separated, at least        in part, into constituent liquid phases    -   Wherein said liquid phase comprising predominantly refrigerant        and LCST reagent is employed in said refrigerant evaporating        stage    -   Wherein said liquid phase comprising predominantly absorption        solution is employed in said absorption stage    -   Wherein residual reagents following said evaporator stage may be        employed in said absorption stage    -   Wherein refrigerant is evaporated in a heat absorbing step and        absorbed into said absorption solution in a heat releasing step,        forming an absorption solution—refrigerant solution    -   Wherein said absorption solution—refrigerant solution phase        transitions into a multi-liquid phase mixture    -   Wherein said multi-liquid phase mixture comprises at least one        liquid phase comprising predominantly refrigerant liquid phase    -   Wherein said multi-liquid phase mixture comprises at least one        liquid phase comprising predominantly absorption solution    -   Wherein said multi-liquid phase mixture is separated, at least        in part, into constituent liquid phases    -   Wherein said liquid phase comprising predominantly refrigerant        liquid phase is employed in said refrigerant evaporating stage    -   Wherein said liquid phase comprising predominantly absorption        solution is employed in said absorption stage    -   Wherein residual reagents following said evaporator stage may be        employed in said absorption stage or may be mixed with said        absorption solution or a combination thereof    -   Wherein refrigerant is evaporated in a heat absorbing step and        absorbed into said absorption solution in a heat releasing step,        forming an absorption solution—refrigerant solution    -   Wherein said absorption solution—refrigerant solution phase        transitions into a multi-liquid phase mixture    -   Wherein said multi-liquid phase mixture comprises at least one        liquid phase comprising predominantly refrigerant and LCST        reagent    -   Wherein said multi-liquid phase mixture comprises at least one        liquid phase comprising predominantly LCST solvent reagent    -   Wherein said multi-liquid phase mixture is separated, at least        in part, into constituent liquid phases    -   Wherein said liquid phase comprising predominantly refrigerant        and LCST reagent is employed in said refrigerant evaporating        stage    -   Wherein said liquid phase comprising predominantly absorption        solution is employed in said absorption stage    -   Wherein residual reagents following said evaporator stage may be        employed in said absorption stage

Example Embodiments 5 [Active Cloud Point Adjustment UCST]

-   -   Heating or Cooling Transfer Fluids and Systems comprising:        -   Releasing heat in a heat releasing phase transition forming            two or more liquid phases from a single liquid phase and/or            liquid phases of different volumes and/or compositions            and/or concentrations        -   Absorbing heat in a dissolution heat releasing phase            transition, forming a single liquid phase solution and/or            liquid phases of different volumes and/or compositions            and/or concentrations        -   Wherein the temperature of said phase transition or the            temperature at which said phase transition occurs may be            adjusted by changing the composition or concentration of one            or more reagents    -   Heating or Cooling Transfer Fluids and Systems comprising:        -   Absorbing heat in a dissolution heat absorbing phase            transition, forming a single liquid phase solution        -   Releasing heat in a heat releasing phase transition forming            two or more liquid phases from a single liquid phase        -   Wherein the temperature of said phase transition or the            temperature at which said phase transition occurs may be            adjusted by changing the composition or concentration of one            or more reagents    -   Heating or Cooling Transfer Fluids and Systems comprising:        -   Absorbing heat in a dissolution heat releasing phase            transition, forming a single liquid phase solution and/or            liquid phases of different volumes and/or compositions            and/or concentrations        -   Releasing heat in a heat releasing phase transition forming            two or more liquid phases from a single liquid phase and/or            liquid phases of different volumes and/or compositions            and/or concentrations        -   Wherein the temperature of said phase transition or the            temperature at which said phase transition occurs may be            adjusted by changing the composition or concentration of one            or more reagents    -   Heating or Cooling Transfer Fluids and Systems comprising:        -   Releasing heat in a heat releasing phase transition forming            two or more liquid phases from a single liquid phase and/or            liquid phases of different volumes and/or compositions            and/or concentrations        -   At least partially separating said two or more liquid phases        -   Transferring said two or more liquid phases as separate            streams for at least a portion of fluid transport        -   Absorbing heat in a dissolution heat absorbing phase            transition by combining or mixing at least a portion of said            separated liquid phases, forming a single liquid phase            solution and/or liquid phases of different volumes and/or            compositions and/or concentrations        -   Wherein the temperature of said phase transition or the            temperature at which said phase transition occurs may be            adjusted by changing the composition or concentration of one            or more reagents in one or more liquid phases    -   Heating or Cooling Transfer Fluids and Systems comprising:        -   Releasing heat in a heat releasing phase transition forming            two or more liquid phases from a single liquid phase and/or            liquid phases of different volumes and/or compositions            and/or concentrations        -   At least partially separating said two or more liquid phases        -   Transferring said two or more liquid phases as separate            streams for at least a portion of fluid transport        -   Absorbing heat in a dissolution heat absorbing phase            transition by combining or mixing at least a portion of said            separated liquid phases, forming a single liquid phase            solution and/or liquid phases of different volumes and/or            compositions and/or concentrations        -   Wherein the temperature of said phase transition or the            temperature at which said phase transition occurs may be            adjusted by changing the composition or concentration of one            or more reagents in one or more separated liquid phases    -   Heating or Cooling Transfer Fluids and Systems comprising:        -   Releasing heat in a heat releasing phase transition forming            two or more liquid phases from a single liquid phase and/or            liquid phases of different volumes and/or compositions            and/or concentrations        -   Absorbing heat in a dissolution heat absorbing phase            transition, forming a single liquid phase solution and/or            liquid phases of different volumes and/or compositions            and/or concentrations        -   Wherein the temperature of said phase transition or the            temperature at which said phase transition occurs may be            adjusted by changing the composition or concentration of one            or more reagents in one or more combined solutions    -   Heating or Cooling Transfer Fluids and Systems comprising:        -   Releasing heat in a heat releasing phase transition forming            two or more liquid phases from a single liquid phase and/or            liquid phases of different volumes and/or compositions            and/or concentrations        -   At least partially separating said two or more liquid phases        -   Transferring said two or more liquid phases as separate            streams for at least a portion of fluid transport        -   Absorbing heat in a dissolution heat absorbing phase            transition by combining or mixing at least a portion of said            separated liquid phases, forming a single liquid phase            solution and/or liquid phases of different volumes and/or            compositions and/or concentrations        -   Wherein the temperature of said phase transition or the            temperature at which said phase transition occurs may be            adjusted by changing the composition or concentration of one            or more reagents in one or more liquid phases using one or            more membrane based processes or one or more compositions            derived from one or more membrane based processes or similar            to one or more reagents employed in the liquid system or            similar to one or more compositions derived from one or more            membrane based processes or a combination thereof    -   Heating or Cooling Transfer Fluids and Systems comprising:        -   Releasing heat in a heat releasing phase transition forming            two or more liquid phases from a single liquid phase and/or            liquid phases of different volumes and/or compositions            and/or concentrations        -   At least partially separating said two or more liquid phases        -   Transferring said two or more liquid phases as separate            streams for at least a portion of fluid transport        -   Absorbing heat in a dissolution heat absorbing phase            transition by combining or mixing at least a portion of said            separated liquid phases, forming a single liquid phase            solution and/or liquid phases of different volumes and/or            compositions and/or concentrations        -   Wherein the temperature of said phase transition or the            temperature at which said phase transition occurs may be            adjusted by changing the composition or concentration of one            or more reagents in one or more combined solutions using one            or more membrane based processes or one or more compositions            derived from one or more membrane based processes or similar            to one or more reagents employed in the liquid system or            similar to one or more compositions derived from one or more            membrane based processes or a combination thereof

Example Embodiments 6 [Active Cloud Point Adjustment LCST]

-   -   Heating or Cooling Transfer Fluids and Systems comprising:        -   Absorbing heat in a heat absorbing phase transition forming            two or more liquid phases from a single liquid phase and/or            liquid phases of different volumes and/or compositions            and/or concentrations        -   Releasing heat in a dissolution heat releasing phase            transition, forming a single liquid phase solution and/or            liquid phases of different volumes and/or compositions            and/or concentrations        -   Wherein the temperature of said phase transition or the            temperature at which said phase transition occurs may be            adjusted by changing the composition or concentration of one            or more reagents    -   Heating or Cooling Transfer Fluids and Systems comprising:        -   Releasing heat in a dissolution heat releasing phase            transition, forming a single liquid phase solution and/or            liquid phases of different volumes and/or compositions            and/or concentrations        -   Absorbing heat in a heat absorbing phase transition forming            two or more liquid phases from a single liquid phase and/or            liquid phases of different volumes and/or compositions            and/or concentrations        -   Wherein the temperature of said phase transitions or the            temperature at which said phase transition occurs may be            adjusted by changing the composition or concentration of one            or more reagents    -   Heating or Cooling Transfer Fluids and Systems comprising:        -   Releasing heat in a dissolution heat releasing phase            transition, forming a single liquid phase solution and/or            liquid phases of different volumes and/or compositions            and/or concentrations        -   Absorbing heat in a heat absorbing phase transition forming            two or more liquid phases from a single liquid phase and/or            liquid phases of different volumes and/or compositions            and/or concentrations        -   Wherein the temperature of said phase transition or the            temperature at which said phase transition occurs may be            adjusted by changing the composition or concentration of one            or more reagents    -   Heating or Cooling Transfer Fluids and Systems comprising:        -   Absorbing heat in a heat absorbing phase transition forming            two or more liquid phases from a single liquid phase and/or            liquid phases of different volumes and/or compositions            and/or concentrations        -   At least partially separating said two or more liquid phases        -   Transferring said two or more liquid phases as separate            streams for at least a portion of fluid transport        -   Releasing heat in a dissolution heat releasing phase            transition by combining or mixing at least a portion of said            separated liquid phases, forming a single liquid phase            solution and/or liquid phases of different volumes and/or            compositions and/or concentrations        -   Wherein the temperature of said phase transition or the            temperature at which said phase transition occurs may be            adjusted by changing the composition or concentration of one            or more reagents in one or more liquid phases    -   Heating or Cooling Transfer Fluids and Systems comprising:        -   Absorbing heat in a heat absorbing phase transition forming            two or more liquid phases from a single liquid phase and/or            liquid phases of different volumes and/or compositions            and/or concentrations        -   At least partially separating said two or more liquid phases        -   Transferring said two or more liquid phases as separate            streams for at least a portion of fluid transport        -   Releasing heat in a dissolution heat releasing phase            transition by combining or mixing at least a portion of said            separated liquid phases, forming a single liquid phase            solution and/or liquid phases of different volumes and/or            compositions and/or concentrations        -   Wherein the temperature of said phase transition or the            temperature at which said phase transition occurs may be            adjusted by changing the composition or concentration of one            or more reagents in one or more separated liquid phases    -   Heating or Cooling Transfer Fluids and Systems comprising:        -   Absorbing heat in a heat absorbing phase transition forming            two or more liquid phases from a single liquid phase and/or            liquid phases of different volumes and/or compositions            and/or concentrations        -   Releasing heat in a dissolution heat releasing phase            transition, forming a single liquid phase solution and/or            liquid phases of different volumes and/or compositions            and/or concentrations        -   Wherein the temperature of said phase transition or the            temperature at which said phase transition occurs may be            adjusted by changing the composition or concentration of one            or more reagents in one or more combined solutions    -   Heating or Cooling Transfer Fluids and Systems comprising:        -   Absorbing heat in a heat absorbing phase transition forming            two or more liquid phases from a single liquid phase and/or            liquid phases of different volumes and/or compositions            and/or concentrations        -   At least partially separating said two or more liquid phases        -   Transferring said two or more liquid phases as separate            streams for at least a portion of fluid transport        -   Releasing heat in a dissolution heat releasing phase            transition by combining or mixing at least a portion of said            separated liquid phases, forming a single liquid phase            solution and/or liquid phases of different volumes and/or            compositions and/or concentrations        -   Wherein the temperature of said phase transition or the            temperature at which said phase transition occurs may be            adjusted by changing the composition or concentration of one            or more reagents in one or more liquid phases using one or            more membrane based processes or one or more compositions            derived from one or more membrane based processes or similar            to one or more reagents employed in the liquid system or            similar to one or more compositions derived from one or more            membrane based processes or a combination thereof    -   Heating or Cooling Transfer Fluids and Systems comprising:        -   Absorbing heat in a heat absorbing phase transition forming            two or more liquid phases from a single liquid phase and/or            liquid phases of different volumes and/or compositions            and/or concentrations        -   At least partially separating said two or more liquid phases        -   Transferring said two or more liquid phases as separate            streams for at least a portion of fluid transport        -   Releasing heat in a dissolution heat releasing phase            transition by combining or mixing at least a portion of said            separated liquid phases, forming a single liquid phase            solution and/or liquid phases of different volumes and/or            compositions and/or concentrations        -   Wherein the temperature of said phase transition or the            temperature at which said phase transition occurs may be            adjusted by changing the composition or concentration of one            or more reagents in one or more combined solutions using one            or more membrane based processes or one or more compositions            derived from one or more membrane based processes or similar            to one or more reagents employed in the liquid system or            similar to one or more compositions derived from one or more            membrane based processes or a combination thereof

Example Sub-Embodiments

-   -   Wherein said phase transition temperature adjustment is        reversible    -   Wherein said phase transition may comprise a UCST, or LCST, or        cloud point, or a combination thereof    -   Wherein said phase transition temperature is adjusted to reflect        changes in or predicted changes in the temperature of heat        exchanging fluids, surrounding temperature, the presence of        contaminants, other system conditions, or a combination thereof

Example Sub-Embodiments

-   -   Wherein cloud point temperature may be adjusted by increasing        the concentration of one or more reagents using one or more        membrane-based processes    -   Wherein cloud point temperature may be adjusted by decreasing        the concentration by adding a water or a solution comprising        substantially water    -   Wherein solution comprising water or substantially water        comprise the permeate stream from a membrane-based process or an        added stream of similar composition

Example UCST Compositions Independent Embodiments:

-   -   A reagent mixture with one or more tunable UCST or ‘cooling’        cloud point comprising:        -   Water        -   Propylene Carbonate        -   and Polypropylene Glycol, Polyethylene Glycol, Polypropylene            Glycol Dimethyl Ether, or a combination thereof    -   A method for creating reagents blends with upper critical        solution temperatures with reagents which may, independently not        have upper critical solution temperatures.    -   A method for creating a reagent mixture that has a cooling        solubility swing or upper critical solution temperature or        cooling ‘thermally switchable solubility’ or cooling cloud point        while maintaining other desirable properties:    -   A reagent mixture which forms X+n number of liquid phases upon        cooling below one or more cloud point temperatures from an        initial liquid with X number of liquid phases comprising one or        more or a combination of the following:        -   Reagent 1: One or more reagents with relatively low            solubility in Reagent 2 and temperature dependent relatively            higher or miscible solubility in Reagent 3.        -   Reagent 2: One or more reagents with relatively low            solubility in Reagent 1 and relatively higher or miscible            solubility in Reagent 3.        -   Reagent 3: one or more reagents comprising one or more or            combination of the following properties:            -   A reagent with high solubility in both Reagent 1 and                Reagent 2 under certain conditions, which may be the                same conditions.            -   A reagent with higher solubility or higher affinity or                more attraction for Reagent 1 than Reagent 2 at                relatively elevated temperatures or above certain                relatively elevated temperatures (if cooling cloud point                is desired).            -   A reagent with higher solubility or higher affinity or                more attraction for Reagent 2 than Reagent 1 at                relatively cooler temperatures or below certain                relatively cooler temperatures (if cooling cloud point                is desired).

Example UCST Compositions Dependent Embodiments:

-   -   Wherein Reagent 1 comprises one or more or a combination of the        following: water, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol,        organic reagents, inorganic reagents, ammonia    -   Wherein Reagent 2 comprises one or more or a combination of the        following: diethyl ether, dimethyl ether, propylene carbonate,        ethers, glycols, polyethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene        carbonate, organic reagents, inorganic reagents, ammonia    -   Wherein Reagent 3 comprises one or more or a combination of the        following: polypropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol with one        or more molecular weights ranging from 400 g/mol-10,000 g/mol,        polyethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol with one or more        molecular weights ranging from 200 g/mol-100,000 g/mol, organic        reagents, inorganic reagents, ammonia    -   Wherein the reagent combination further comprises Reagent 4, a        reagent which is soluble in Reagent 1 alone, and exhibits        limited solubility, in Reagent 2, Reagent 3, or both.    -   Wherein the reagent combination further comprises Reagent 4, a        reagent which is soluble in Reagent 1 alone    -   Wherein the reagent combination further comprises Reagent 4, a        reagent which is soluble in Reagent 1 alone, and may exhibit        limited solubility, in Reagent 2, Reagent 3, or both    -   Wherein the reagent combination further comprises Reagent 5, a        reagent which is soluble in Reagent 1, Reagent 2, Reagent 3, or        combination thereof    -   Wherein the reagent combination further comprises Reagent 4, a        reagent which is soluble in Reagent 1    -   Wherein Reagent 4 comprises one or more salts, glycerol, urea,        ethylene glycol or a combination thereof    -   Wherein the reagent combination further comprises Reagent 5, a        reagent which is soluble in Reagent 1, Reagent 2, Reagent 3, or        combination thereof    -   Wherein Reagent 5 comprises propylene glycol, polypropylene        glycol, polyethylene glycol, ethylene glycol, organic solvent or        a combination thereof    -   Wherein the reagent combination further comprises one or more        salts    -   Wherein the biphasic solution comprises one phase composed        primarily of propylene carbonate and another phase composed        primarily of water and polypropylene glycol    -   Wherein the cloud point temperature of the reagent combination        is adjusted by changing the relative concentration of one or        more or a combination of reagents    -   Wherein the cloud point temperature of the reagent combination        is adjusted by changing the relative concentration of one or        more salts in the solution    -   Wherein the cloud point temperature of the reagent combination        is adjusted by changing the composition of the constituent        reagents    -   Wherein the solution comprises a single liquid phases above the        one or more cloud point temperatures and a multiphase solution        below the one or more cloud point temperatures    -   Wherein the solution comprises two liquid phases above the one        or more cloud point temperatures and a three or more liquid        phase solution below the one or more cloud point temperatures    -   Wherein the solution comprises a X number of liquid phases above        the one or more cloud point temperatures and a X number of        liquid phases below the one or more cloud point temperatures        -   Wherein the composition of one or more of the X number of            liquid phases is different above or below said cloud point            temperature    -   Wherein the solution is mixed to facilitate transitioning toward        the equilibrium state    -   Wherein the viscosity of the liquid is below 15 cP    -   Wherein the viscosity of the liquid is below 5 cP    -   Wherein the mass of reagent 2 is greater than the mass of        reagent 1 or reagent 3

Example LCST Compositions Independent Embodiments:

-   -   A reagent mixture which forms X+n number of liquid phases upon        heating above one or more cloud point temperatures from an        initial liquid with X number of liquid phases with desirable        properties for heat exchange comprising one or more or a        combination of the following:        -   Reagent 1: One or more reagents with a LCST in a solution            mixed with Reagent 2        -   Reagent 2: One or more reagents where Reagent 1 and Reagent            3 are soluble        -   Reagent 3: One or more reagents soluble in Reagent 2 and            with limited solubility in Reagent 1    -   A reagent mixture which forms X+n number of liquid phases upon        heating above one or more cloud point temperatures from an        initial liquid with X number of liquid phases with desirable        properties for heat exchange comprising one or more or a        combination of the following:        -   Reagent 1: One or more reagents with a LCST in a solution            mixed with Reagent 2        -   Reagent 2: One or more reagents where Reagent 1 and Reagent            3 are soluble        -   Reagent 3: One or more reagents soluble in Reagent 2 and            with limited solubility in Reagent 1 and Reagent 4        -   Reagent 4: One or more reagents soluble in Reagent 1, with            limited solubility in Reagent 2 and Reagent 3.

EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

1. A composition comprising:

water;

a CST reagent; and

a low solubility reagent;

wherein said low solubility reagent has limited solubility in a solutionconsisting of water and a critical solution temperature (CST) reagentbelow a cloud point temperature and has miscible solubility in asolution consisting of water and CST reagent above a cloud pointtemperature.

2. A composition for refrigeration comprising:

an absorption solution comprising water and a critical solutiontemperature (CST) reagent; and a reagent with limited solubility inwater that is substantially miscible with said absorption solution abovean upper critical solution temperature and has limited solubility withsaid absorption solution below the upper critical solution temperature.

3. The composition of ‘1.’ or ‘2.’ wherein the CST reagent comprises (1)a reagent which exhibits decreasing osmotic pressure with increasingtemperature in a solution consisting of water and said CST reagent or(2) a reagent which possesses greater affinity for said low solubilityreagent relative to water with increasing temperature.4. The composition of ‘1.’ or ‘2.’ wherein the CST reagent comprises‘CST reagent’, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether, Polypropylene Glycol,Polyethylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol n-Butyl Ether (DPnB),Tri(propylene glycol) butyl ether mixture of isomers (TPnB), Propyleneglycol n-butyl ether (PnB), Dipropylene Glycol n-Propyl Ether (DPnP),Diethylene Glycol Monohexyl Ether (D-Hex n-hexyl ether), Propyleneglycol propyl ether (PnP), 2-Butoxyethanol (EB Butyl Glycol), PPG 425,PPG 725, PPG 1000, PEGDME 250, PEGDME 500, PEG 1000, PEG 600, PEG 400,PEG 200, or a mixture thereof.5. The composition of ‘1.’ or ‘2.’ wherein (1) the cloud pointtemperature of the composition changes over a range of from about 0 toabout 100° C. based on the concentration of CST reagent in thecomposition, or (2) the composition has a viscosity of less than 50 cPat room temperature; or (3) both (1) and (2).6. The composition of ‘1.’ or ‘2.’ wherein said reagent with limitedsolubility in water comprises a volatile reagent, non-volatile reagent,ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, methyl formate, dimethyl ether, diethylether, dimethoxymethane, diethoxymethane, carbon dioxide, supercriticalcarbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, a refrigerant, a hydrocarbon, afluorocarbon, an organic solvent, Ethylene Glycol Diacetate, PropyleneGlycol Diacetate, Dipropylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether (DPE), 2-Heptanone,Propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, Propylene Carbonate,Cyclohexanone, 1-Octanol, Dipropylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate,1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, Ethylene glycol monohexyl ether, Acetal(1,1-Diethoxyethane), Isoamyl acetate, Dibutyl ether, m-Xylene,Isopropyl acetate, Dimethyl carbonate, Butanone, Methyl tert-butyl ether(MTBE), o-Xylene, Acetylacetone, p-Xylene, Methyl Isobutyl Ketone,Toluene, 3-Pentanone, Propyl acetate, Ethylene glycol monopropyl ether,2-Methoxyethyl acetate, 5-Methyl-2-hexanone, 4-Methyl-2-pentanone,3-Pentanone, 2-Pentanone, 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran, a reagent which is aliquid or gas or supercritical fluid at room temperature, or a mixturethereof.7. The composition of ‘1.’ or ‘2.’ further comprising one or more salts.8. A UCST process for heating or cooling comprising:

1) phase transitioning a liquid phase into two or more liquid phases torelease heat;

2) separating at least a portion of each of said two or more liquidphases into separate streams; and

3) mixing and dissolving said separate streams to form a single liquidphase solution to absorb heat;

wherein the liquid phase comprises water; a CST reagent; and a lowsolubility reagent having a limited solubility in a solution consistingof water and CST reagent below a cloud point temperature and having amiscible solubility in a solution consisting of water and CST reagentabove a cloud point temperature.9. A LCST process for heating or cooling comprising:

-   -   1) phase transitioning a liquid phase into two or more liquid        phases to absorb heat;    -   2) separating at least a portion of each of said two or more        liquid phases into separate streams; and    -   3) mixing and dissolving said separate streams to form a single        liquid phase solution to release heat;        wherein the liquid phase comprises a critical solution        temperature (CST) reagent, an LCST reducing or binding reagent,        and water.        10. The process of ‘8.’ or ‘9.’ wherein said phase transitioning        is conducted at a temperature greater than the temperature of an        application of heating or less than the temperature of an        application of cooling.        11. A liquid phase refrigeration or heat pump cycle process with        a liquid system wherein the process comprises:        1) absorbing heat by mixing two or more liquid phases        endothermically in a phase transition; and        2) releasing heat exothermically by transforming a liquid phase        into two or more liquid phases in a phase transition; and        3) adjusting the phase transition temperature such that the        phase transition temperature of step 1) is different than the        phase transition temperature of step 2);        wherein said liquid system comprises (1) an absorption solution        comprising a critical solution temperature (CST) reagent and a        UCST solvent; and (2) a reagent that is substantially miscible        with said absorption solution above an upper critical solution        temperature and has limited solubility with said absorption        solution below the upper critical solution temperature and        wherein said adjusting comprises changing the concentration of        said CST reagent with respect to the UCST solvent.        12. A liquid phase refrigeration or heat pump cycle process with        a liquid system wherein the process comprises:        1) releasing heat by mixing two or more liquid phases        exothermically in a phase transition; and        2) absorbing heat endothermically by transforming a liquid phase        into two or more liquid phases in a phase transition; and        3) adjusting the phase transition temperature such that the        phase transition temperature of step 1) is different than the        phase transition temperature of step 2);        wherein said liquid system comprises a critical solution        temperature (CST) reagent, an LCST reducing reagent, and water        and wherein said adjusting comprises removing substantially all        of said LCST reducing reagent before or during step 1) and        introducing said LCST reducing reagent before or during step 2).        13. The process of ‘11.’ or ‘12.’ wherein said CST reagent        exhibits decreasing osmotic pressure with increasing temperature        in a solution consisting of water and said CST reagent.        14. The process of Claims ‘11.’ or ‘12.’ or 13 wherein said CST        reagent comprises Polyethylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether,        Polypropylene Glycol, Polyethylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol        n-Butyl Ether (DPnB), Tri(propylene glycol) butyl ether mixture        of isomers (TPnB), Propylene glycol n-butyl ether (PnB),        Dipropylene Glycol n-Propyl Ether (DPnP), Diethylene Glycol        Monohexyl Ether (D-Hex n-hexyl ether), Propylene glycol propyl        ether (PnP), 2-Butoxyethanol (EB Butyl Glycol), PPG 425, PPG        725, PPG 1000, PEGDME 250, PEGDME 500, PEG 1000, PEG 600, PEG        400, PEG 200, or mixtures thereof.        15. An absorption refrigeration cycle process comprising:

forming a liquid system comprising (1) an absorption solution thatcomprises a lower critical solution temperature reagent, a lowercritical solution temperature binder reagent, or a combination thereofand (2) a refrigerant comprising a solvent reagent and a LCST reducingreagent; and

forming two or more liquid phases due to a LCST phase transition whereinone liquid phase comprises an absorption solution comprising a lowercritical solution temperature reagent, a lower critical solutiontemperature binder reagent, or a combination thereof and wherein anotherliquid phase comprises a refrigerant liquid phase comprising a solventreagent and a LCST reducing reagent.

Example LCST Compositions Independent Embodiments:

-   -   Wherein the reagent composition comprises one or more or a        combination of the following:        -   Reagent 1: Polypropylene glycol, Polyethylene Glycol,            Polypropylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether, Polyethylene Glycol            Dimethyl Ether, or Organic polymer        -   Reagent 2: Water, ammonia, polar organic solvent, polar            solvent        -   Reagent 3: Ionic compounds, glycerol, acids, bases, or urea        -   Reagent 4: Propylene Carbonate, Ethylene Carbonate, dimethyl            ether, toluene, or diethyl ether    -   Wherein the temperature of the one or more ‘cloud-points’ are        adjusted by changing the concentration of one or more reagents        Heating and Cooling Transfer

Example Independent Embodiments: Heat or Cooling Transfer with UCST orLCST Phase Change and Liquid-Liquid Separation

-   -   Systems and Methods for transferring heating or cooling        comprising:        -   A liquid system with one or more upper critical solution            temperature (UCST) or lower critical solution temperature            (LCST) phase change solutions        -   Wherein a liquid solution comprising a single liquid phase            or a system with less liquid phases transforms into two or            more liquid phases or a multi-phase liquid solution upon            heating or cooling at, above or below the one or more UCST,            LCST, or cloud point temperatures of said liquid solution        -   Wherein said multi-phase liquid solution is separated into            to or more separate liquid streams        -   Wherein said liquid streams each comprise, at least in part,            a separated liquid phase        -   Further comprising transporting said separated liquid            streams to one or more applications requiring heating or            cooling        -   Wherein said separate liquid streams are mixed at or near or            in heat exchange with the one or more applications requiring            heating or cooling        -   Wherein said mixing results, at least in part, in the            dissolution of one or more liquid phases        -   Wherein said dissolution results, at least in part, the            absorption or release of heat or heating or cooling of said            application requiring heating or cooling    -   Systems and Methods for transferring heating or cooling        comprising:        -   Two or more liquid phases originating from an LCST or UCST            phase change system        -   Wherein said liquid phases are stored or transferred or a            combination thereof separately        -   Further comprising mixing said liquid phases to absorb or            release heat

Example Dependent Embodiments: Heat or Cooling Transfer with UCST orLCST Phase Change and Liquid-Liquid Separation

-   -   Wherein said mixing said liquid phases results in the        dissolution of one or more of the liquid phases in one or more        of the other liquid phases    -   Wherein said mixing is conducted before, during, or after heat        exchange with one or more applications requiring or employing        heating or cooling    -   Wherein said mixing is conducted under conditions to result in        the dissolution of one or more liquid phases    -   Wherein said mixing is conducted under conditions wherein one or        more liquid phases do not dissolve    -   Wherein said system includes a liquid separation device        comprising one or more or a combination of the following:        centrifuge, coalescer, decanter, filter, separatory funnel,        cyclone, membrane

Example Independent Embodiments: Heat or Cooling Transfer with UCST orLCST Phase Change as Single Liquid Stream or Mixture

-   -   Systems and Methods for transferring heating or cooling        comprising:        -   A liquid system with one or more upper critical solution            temperature (UCST) or lower critical solution temperature            (LCST) phase change solutions        -   Wherein a liquid solution comprising a single liquid phase            or less liquid phases transforms into two or more liquid            phases or a multi-phase liquid solution upon heating or            cooling to at, below or above the one or more UCST, LCST, or            cloud point temperatures of said liquid solution        -   Wherein said multi-phase liquid solution is transported to            one or more applications requiring heating or cooling    -   Systems and Methods for transferring heating or cooling        comprising:        -   A liquid system with one or more upper critical solution            temperature (UCST) or lower critical solution temperature            (LCST) phase change solutions        -   Wherein a multi-phase liquid solution or more liquid phases            transforms into a single liquid phase solution or less            liquid phases upon heating or cooling at, above or below the            one or more UCST, LCST, or cloud point temperatures of said            liquid solution        -   Wherein said single phase liquid or less liquid phases is            transported to one or more applications requiring heating or            cooling

Example Dependent Embodiments: Heat or Cooling Transfer with UCST orLCST Phase Change as Single Liquid Stream or Mixture

-   -   Wherein said single phase liquid solution transforms into two or        more liquid phases during transport    -   Wherein said single phase liquid solution transforms into two or        more liquid phases during transport    -   Wherein said transformation absorbs or releases heat    -   Wherein said single phase liquid solution transforms into two or        more liquid phases during transport    -   Wherein said transformation functions as a temperature buffer,        minimizing temperature change despite heat or cooling losses to        the surroundings    -   Wherein a portion of one or more of the liquid phases dissolves        in one or more other liquid phases during transport    -   Wherein a portion of one or more of the liquid phases dissolves        in one or more other liquid phases during transport    -   Wherein said dissolution absorbs or releases heat    -   Wherein a portion of one or more of the liquid phases dissolves        in one or more other liquid phases during transport    -   Wherein said dissolution functions as a temperature buffer,        minimizing temperature change despite heat or cooling losses to        the surroundings    -   Wherein a portion of said two or more liquid phases dissolve        before or during heat exchange with one or more applications        requiring heating or cooling    -   Wherein a portion of said two or more liquid phases dissolve        before or during heat exchange with one or more applications        requiring heating or cooling    -   Wherein said dissolving absorbs or releases heat    -   Wherein a portion of said single liquid phase transforms into        two or more liquid phases before or during heat exchange with        one or more applications requiring heating or cooling    -   Wherein a portion of said single liquid phase transforms into        two or more liquid phases before or during heat exchange with        one or more applications requiring heating or cooling    -   Wherein said transformation absorbs or releases heat    -   Wherein said transformations are fully reversible    -   Wherein said dissolution is fully reversible    -   Wherein said liquid system transfers heat due to both specific        heat and latent heat change

Example Independent Embodiments: Ocean or Thermocline Powered AirConditioning using Low Viscosity UCST working Fluid with Liquid—LiquidSeparation

-   -   Systems and methods for transferring cold from beneath the        surface of a liquid body comprising:        -   One or more UCST phase change liquids in a liquid system        -   Wherein one or more of said UCST phase change liquids are            transferred beneath the surface of a liquid body        -   Wherein said UCST liquid forms two or more liquid phases            from one liquid phase or relatively less liquid phases by            cooling at or below said liquid's one or more UCST            temperatures        -   Wherein said two or more liquid phases are separated        -   Wherein said separated liquid phases are transported in            separate liquid channels to one or more applications            requiring cooling        -   Further comprising mixing said liquid phases before or in            heat exchange with or in the presence of one or more            applications requiring cooling        -   Wherein one or more of said liquid phases dissolve        -   Wherein said dissolution absorbs heat or is endothermic

Example Dependent Embodiments: Ocean or Thermocline Powered Coolingusing Low Viscosity UCST working Fluid with Liquid—Liquid Separation

-   -   Wherein said liquid phases are transported, at least in part, in        isolation from the other liquid phase or phases    -   Wherein said liquid phases are transported, at least in part,        without fluid contact with the other liquid phase or phases    -   Wherein said liquid body possesses a thermocline    -   Wherein said cooling results from heat exchange with the        relatively cooler liquid beneath the surface of said thermocline        liquid body    -   Wherein said UCST phase change liquids comprises a working fluid    -   Wherein said working fluid is heat exchanged with the        surrounding water body without fluid contact between the heat        exchanged fluids    -   Wherein said separation of liquid phases    -   Wherein said separation of liquid phases is conducted beneath        the surface of the water body    -   Wherein said separation of liquid phases is conducted at or near        the cold temperature depth of the thermocline    -   Wherein said UCST liquid functions absorbs heat or supplies        cooling through endothermic phase change into less liquid        phases, specific heat capacity, or a combination thereof

Example Independent Embodiments: Ocean or Thermocline Powered AirConditioning using Low Viscosity UCST or LCST working Fluid with SingleLiquid Stream or Mixture

-   -   Systems and methods for transferring cold from beneath the        surface of a thermocline body or solid, liquid, or gas or        combination thereof body with some form of temperature variation        comprising:        -   One or more liquids possessing one or more UCSTs        -   Wherein said one or more liquids transform into more liquid            phases upon cooling below said one or more UCSTs        -   Wherein said one or more liquid phases transform into less            liquid phases or the original liquid phase or phases during            heating above said one or more UCSTs temperatures        -   Wherein heat is absorbed during transforming into less            liquid phases and heat is released during transforming into            more liquid phases    -   Systems and methods for transferring cold from beneath the        surface of a thermocline body or solid, liquid, or gas or        combination thereof body with some form of temperature variation        comprising:        -   One or more liquids possessing one or more LCSTs        -   Wherein said one or more liquids transform into less liquid            phases or a single liquid phase upon cooling below said one            or more LCSTs        -   Wherein said less liquid phases transforms into more liquid            phases during heating above said one or more LCSTs            temperatures        -   Wherein heat is absorbed during transforming into more            liquid phases and heat is released during transforming into            less liquid phases

Example Dependent Embodiments: Ocean or Thermocline Powered AirConditioning using Low Viscosity UCST or LCST working Fluid with SingleLiquid Stream or Mixture

-   -   Wherein said cooling or heat release comprises heat exchanging        with the relatively cooler temperature region in a thermocline        body    -   Wherein said heat absorption or cooling comprises heat        exchanging with one or more applications employing cooling    -   Wherein said liquids are transferred between cooler depths of a        thermocline body and    -   Wherein said UCST or LCST temperature or temperatures are within        the temperature range of the thermocline liquid body    -   Wherein said UCST or LCST phase change functions as a        temperature buffer    -   Wherein said UCST or LCST phase change functions as a        temperature buffer    -   Wherein said temperature buffer reduces temperature change or        cooling losses or heating losses during transport due to latent        heat of phase change of dissolution or transformation of liquid        phases into more or less liquid phases during, for example, the        intrusion of heating or cooling or heat release or absorption        with surroundings

Example Independent Embodiments: Heating or Deicing Road or OtherSurface Powered by Outside Temperature Variation using LCST Phase ChangeSystem with Working Fluid Storage

-   -   Systems and methods for absorbing heat from roads or other        surfaces and storing said heat for present or later use,        comprising:        -   A liquid solution forming two or more liquid phases before,            during, or after heat exchange with a relatively warm            surface        -   Further comprising separating said two or more liquid phases            into separate liquid streams    -   Systems and methods for heating or deicing roads or other        surfaces comprising:        -   Two or more separate liquid phases        -   Wherein said two or more liquid phases are mixed before,            during, or in the presence, or combination thereof of heat            exchange with one or more surfaces requiring heating or            deicing        -   Wherein said mixing results in the dissolution of one or            more liquid phases

Example Dependent Embodiments: Heating or Deicing Road or Other SurfacePowered by Outside Temperature Variation using LCST Phase Change Systemwith Working Fluid Storage

-   -   Wherein said dissolution is exothermic or releases heat    -   Wherein said dissolution heats said one or more surfaces    -   Wherein said dissolution heats said one or more surfaces and        melts at least a portion of ice on one or more surfaces    -   Wherein said solution following at least a portion dissolution        between one or more liquid phases is transferred to one or more        vessels employed to store said utilized solution or working        fluid    -   Wherein said dissolution occurs with heat exchange with a heat        pump    -   Wherein said heat pump employs said heat exchange as an enthalpy        source for heat extraction    -   Wherein said heat pump transfers heat to a second relatively        warmer heat exchange fluid    -   Wherein said relatively warmer heat exchange fluid is heat        exchanged with said one or more surfaces requiring heating    -   Wherein said dissolution occurs with heat exchange with a heat        pump    -   Wherein said heat pump employs said heat exchange as an enthalpy        source for heat extraction    -   Wherein said heat pump transfers heat to a second relatively        warmer heat exchange fluid    -   Wherein said relatively warmer heat exchange fluid is heat        exchanged with said one or more surfaces requiring heating    -   Wherein said heat pump is powered by electricity, steam,        hydraulic fluid, mechanical source, combustion engine, or        combination thereof    -   Wherein said two or more liquid phases may have originated from        separate storage vessels or separate liquid channels    -   Wherein said two or more liquid phases may have originated from        a previous multi-liquid phase solution resulting from heating at        or above one or more cloud point temperatures    -   Wherein one or more of said relatively warm surfaces is at or        above the one or more LCST temperatures of the solution    -   Wherein said two or more separate liquid phases are stored in        one or more storage vessels    -   Wherein said separate liquid phases are store in separate        storage vessels    -   Wherein said phase change into two or more liquid phases absorbs        heat or is endothermic    -   Wherein said phase change is due to the increase in temperature        of a road or other surface due to diurnal temperature variation,        outdoor temperature variation, or the presence of light or        sunlight, or a combination thereof    -   Wherein there are more than one said liquid solutions    -   Wherein said liquid originates from one or more combined or        utilized liquid solution storage vessels    -   Wherein said liquid comprises a portion of the liquid phases        above the one or more cloud point temperatures before the heat        exchange with one or more surfaces    -   Wherein said liquid comprises a portion of the liquid phases        above the one or more cloud point temperatures before the heat        exchange with one or more surfaces    -   Wherein said liquid comprises a portion of the liquid phases        above the one or more cloud point temperatures before the heat        exchange with one or more relatively warm surfaces    -   Wherein the liquid may have been heated or experienced heat        intrusion in the one or more utilized solution storage tanks    -   Wherein said two or more phase liquid solution originates from a        single liquid phase solution or a solution with less liquid        phases or a solution with liquid phases comprising different        compositions    -   Wherein there are sensors located above, on, in, or below, or        combination thereof one or more surfaces to determine the        temperate of said surface    -   Wherein there are sensors located above, on, in, or below, or        combination thereof one or more surfaces to determine the        temperate of said surface    -   Wherein said sensors may be employed as one or more of the tools        utilized to determine whether to absorb heat from the surface,        release heat into the surface, or neither thereof    -   Wherein live weather data, weather reports, and other weather        information is employed to determine whether to employ deicing        or other method    -   Wherein the system further comprises a heat pump    -   Wherein the system further comprises a heat pump    -   Wherein said heat pump employs said two or more liquid phase        stored solution as an enthalpy source    -   Wherein the relatively warmer stream produced by said heat pump        is heat exchanged with the road or one or more surfaces        requiring heating or deicing    -   Wherein the system for determining whether to and how to operate        said system may be, at least in part, automated    -   Wherein said separate liquid phases are stored in separately or        without fluid contact between said liquid phases    -   Wherein said storage vessels are located above the ground    -   Wherein freezing in said one or more storage vessels may        function as a temperature buffer and may, at least in part, be        desired

Example Independent Embodiments: Heating or Deicing Road or OtherSurface Powered by Powered by Relatively ‘Warm’ Temperature BeneathSurface of Water Body

-   -   Systems and methods for deicing or heating roads or other        surfaces comprising:        -   Heating a single liquid phase solution or multiphase liquid            solution with less liquid phases using the relatively warm            water beneath the surface of a water body        -   Forming a multiphase liquid solution or a multiphase liquid            solution with more liquid phases or larger formed liquid            phases        -   Wherein said multi-liquid phase liquid is separated into its            two or more constituent liquid phases as two or more            separate liquid streams    -   Systems and methods for deicing or heating roads or other        surfaces comprising:        -   A heat exchange fluid        -   Wherein said heat exchange fluid is heated in heat exchange            with relatively warm water beneath the surface of a water            body        -   Wherein a portion of said heat exchange fluid is removed            from said one or more storage vessels and heat exchanged            with one or more applications requiring heating or an            enthalpy source or entropy source or heat source

Example Dependent Embodiments: Heating or Deicing Road or Other SurfacePowered by Powered by Relatively ‘Warm’ Temperature Beneath Surface ofWater Body

-   -   Wherein said separated liquid phases are stored in separate        liquid storage vessels beneath the surface of said water body    -   Wherein said separated liquid phases are stored in separate        liquid storage vessels floating on the surface of said water        body    -   Wherein said separated liquid phases are stored in separate        liquid storage vessels above the surface of said water body    -   Wherein said separated liquid phases are transported as separate        liquid streams to one or more applications requiring heating    -   Wherein said separated liquid phases are mixed near, in close        proximity to, at, during, or combination thereof the one or more        heat exchanges with one or more applications requiring heating    -   Wherein a portion of said mixing occurs at or below the LCST of        the combined liquid phases    -   Wherein a portion of said mixing results in the dissolution of        one or more liquid phases    -   Wherein a portion of said mixing results in the dissolution of        one or more liquid phases    -   Wherein said dissolution forms a combined single liquid phase    -   Wherein a portion of said mixing results in the dissolution of        one or more liquid phases    -   Wherein said dissolution forms a combined single liquid phase    -   Wherein said combined liquid phase is transferred to beneath the        surface of the water body and heat exchanged with said warmer        water to absorb a portion of said heat    -   Wherein said absorption of said heat results from an endothermic        phase change or transformation resulting in the formation of two        or more separate liquid phases    -   Wherein said dissolution is exothermic or releases heat    -   Wherein a portion of said heat exchange fluid is stored in one        or more storage vessels beneath the surface of said water body    -   Wherein a portion of said heat exchange fluid is returned        beneath the surface of said water body    -   Wherein said heat exchange fluid is heated by heat exchange with        said water body    -   Wherein said application requiring a heat source comprises a        heat pump    -   Wherein said application requiring a heat source comprises a        heat pump    -   Wherein said heat pump extracts heat from said heat exchange        fluid or said multiphase liquid    -   Wherein said heat pump generates a second warmer heat exchange        fluid    -   Wherein said warmer heat exchange fluid is heat exchanged with a        road or other surface requiring heating    -   Wherein said one or more liquid phases or said heat exchange        fluid as a freezing point below the freezing point of water    -   Wherein said two or more separate liquid streams are storage in        separate storage vessels beneath the surface of the water body    -   Wherein said heat exchange fluid is stored in one or more        vessels beneath the surface of the water body    -   Wherein said one or more    -   Wherein the relatively warm water or seawater or aqueous        solution in the water body is at or above the freezing point of        said water or seawater or aqueous solution    -   Wherein there is ice floating on the surface of said water body

Example Independent Embodiments: Power Plant Condenser Cooling usingUCST or LCST Phase Change Liquid with Liquid Phase Separation:

-   -   Systems & Methods for industrial or power plant cooling using a        relatively low viscosity UCST phase change fluid with        multi-liquid phase separation comprising:        -   Heat exchanging a single liquid phase solution with one or            more cool input sources        -   Wherein said single liquid phase solution transforms into            two or more liquid phases at or below said single liquid            phase solution's UCST temperature        -   Wherein said two or more liquid phases are separated into            two or more separate liquid streams        -   Wherein said two or more separate liquid streams are            transported to one or more applications requiring cooling        -   Combining said two or more separate liquid streams        -   Wherein one or more of said liquid streams dissolve        -   Wherein said dissolution is endothermic and provides cooling            to one or more of said cooling applications

Example Dependent Embodiments: Power Plant Condenser Cooling using UCSTor LCST Phase Change Liquid with Liquid Phase Separation:

-   -   Wherein said single liquid phase solution may comprise a        multiphase solution with combined solution remaining that is yet        to have undergone phase change into two or more liquid phases    -   Wherein said dissolution results in the formation of a        single-phase liquid stream    -   Wherein the UCST or LCST temperature of the solution is tuned to        the available cooling or heating temperatures in the system,        ambient conditions, or cooling or heating application, or        combination thereof    -   Wherein said one or more cool input sources may comprise        evaporative cooling    -   Wherein said one or more cool input sources may comprise        evaporative cooling    -   Wherein said evaporative cooling comprises water evaporation        from said solution    -   Wherein said combining of two or more separate liquid streams is        conducted before or during heat exchange with one or more        applications requiring cooling    -   Wherein said cooling source is a further distance from said        industrial application requiring cooling than generally employed        in said application    -   Wherein said greater cooling transport distance is enabled by        the present embodiments    -   Wherein a portion of said two or more liquid streams may be        stored in separate containers to, for example, provide storage        for cooling that may be of future use

Example Independent Embodiments: Power Plant Condenser Cooling usingUCST or LCST Phase Change Liquid with Combined Liquid Mixture:

-   -   Systems & Methods for industrial or power plant cooling using a        relatively low viscosity LCST phase change fluid with        multi-liquid phase separation comprising:        -   Heat exchanging a single liquid phase solution with one or            more applications requiring cooling        -   Wherein said single liquid phase solution transforms into a            solution comprising two or more liquid phases        -   Wherein said transformation absorbs heat or is endothermic,            cooling said application requiring cooling

Example Dependent Embodiments: Power Plant Condenser Cooling using UCSTor LCST Phase Change Liquid with Combined Liquid Mixture:

-   -   Wherein said single liquid phase solution may comprise a        multiphase solution with combined solution remaining that is yet        to have undergone phase change into two or more liquid phases    -   Further comprising cooling said two or more phase liquid        solution        -   Wherein one or more liquid phases dissolve        -   Wherein said dissolution is exothermic        -   Wherein said dissolution results in a combined single liquid            phase solution        -   Wherein said cooling further comprises evaporative cooling        -   Wherein said cooling further comprises evaporative cooling        -   Wherein said water is evaporated from said UCST or LCST            phase change liquid    -   Wherein evaporated water or other losses are made—up with the        addition of the equivalent masses of each reagent in one or more        makeup streams    -   Wherein evaporated water is made up by employing said solution        as a draw solution in forward osmosis with another liquid stream        containing water    -   Wherein the LCST of said single liquid phase solution may        function as a temperature buffer during transport to the        application requiring cooling    -   Wherein a portion of said liquid phase may form two or more        liquid phases    -   Wherein said forming of two or more liquid phases is endothermic    -   Wherein heat for said endothermic phase change is from heat        intrusion from or cooling losses to the surroundings during        transport    -   Wherein the temperature of said solution remains relatively        stable as a result

Example Independent Embodiments: Heating or Cooling Osmotic Heat Engine

-   -   Systems and methods for generating electricity from one or more        temperature differences comprising:        -   Heating or cooling a single liquid phase solution to form            two or more liquid phases        -   Separating said two or more liquid phases into two or more            separate liquid streams comprising each of said liquid            phases        -   Wherein said two or more liquid streams are transported to            one or more osmotic power or mixing power devices        -   Wherein power is generated from the combining or mixing or            dissolution of said two or more liquid phases

Example Dependent Embodiments: Heating or Cooling Osmotic Heat Engine

-   -   Wherein said two or more liquid phases are heated or cooled        before, during, or after said mixing or said power generation or        combination thereof    -   Wherein said two or more liquid phases are heated above one or        more UCST temperatures or cooled below one or more LCST        temperatures before, during, or after said mixing or said power        generation or combination thereof    -   Wherein one or more of said liquid phases comprises a draw        solution    -   Wherein one or more of said liquid phases comprises a feed        solution    -   Wherein said one or more osmotic power or mixing power        embodiments employs pressure retarded osmosis or forward osmosis    -   Wherein said one or more liquid phases may be treated before        being employed as a draw solution or a feed solution    -   Wherein said two or more separate liquid streams transport        energy independent of the temperature variations experienced by        said two or more separate liquid streams during transport    -   Wherein said two or more separate liquid streams transport        energy independent of the temperature variations experienced by        said two or more separate liquid streams during transport    -   Wherein said temperatures are below the decomposition        temperatures of the infrastructure transporting said reagents or        the decomposition temperature of said reagents, or the boiling        point of said reagents, or above the freezing point of said        reagents, or within a range of the freezing point of said        reagents, or combination thereof    -   Wherein said separated liquid phases may be stored    -   Wherein said separated liquid phases may be stored in separate        liquid vessels    -   Wherein said separated liquid phases may be stored in separate        liquid vessels    -   Wherein said storage of separate liquid phases functions as an        electricity storage device    -   Wherein a portion of said liquid phases may be removed from said        storage provide additional energy or electricity generation when        needed by powering said osmotic engine    -   Wherein said integrated embodiment is employed in generating        energy from relatively small temperature differences    -   Wherein said integrated embodiment is employed in generating        energy from waste heat at a power plant or industrial site    -   Wherein said integrated embodiment is employed in generating        energy from waste heat at a power plant or industrial site    -   Wherein said integrated embodiment generates energy while        cooling said power plant or industrial site and heating one or        more applications requiring heating    -   Wherein said integrated embodiment is employed in generating        energy from the temperature differences in a thermocline water        body    -   Wherein said multi-liquid phase separation device is located        beneath the surface of a thermocline liquid body

Notes Example Notes Related to Definitions, Synonyms

1) The upper or lower critical solution temperature may also be referredto as a cloud point which is generally the point at which a liquidsystem undergoes a change such as a change in the composition of a phaseand/or number of phases, which may also be referred to as switching,e.g., thermal switching, or a transition, e.g., liquid phase transition,or phase change, e.g., liquid phase change, or clouding-out, e.g. thesolution clouding-out, or a combination thereof. A UCST phase transitioninto two or more liquid phases may also be referred to as a ‘cooling’cloud point or UCST ranges or cloud point temperature range or phasetransition temperature range. A LCST phase transition into two or moreliquid phases may also be referred to as a ‘heating’ cloud point orcloud point temperature range or phase transition temperature range.Alternatively, phase transition solutions may be referred to assolutions exhibiting ‘condition sensitive solubility change’ or ‘phasetransition temperature’. 2) A liquid mixture with more than one liquidphase may be referred to as, including, but not limited to, amultiphasic liquid solution, multiphase liquid solution, multiphasesolution, multi-liquid phase solution, biphasic solution, a ‘cloudy’solution, multiphasic liquid mixture, multiphase mixture, multiphaseliquid mixture, a multi-liquid phase mixture, biphasic mixture, biphasicliquid mixture, bilayer mixture, multilayer mixture, multi-liquid phasestate, multiphase liquid state, or a combination thereof 3) Thedissolution of one or more liquid phases in one or more other liquidphases to form a combined single liquid phase solution or a solutionwith a different number or composition or both of liquid phases may bereferred to as ‘combining’ or ‘dissolution’ or ‘mutually dissolve’ or‘dissolve’ or ‘combine’ or ‘mixing.’ 4) The mixture of two or moreseparate liquid phases may also occur without or with minimaldissolution of the liquid phases, which may be referred to as ‘mixing’or ‘combining’ or ‘merging’ or forming one or more of the exampledescriptors in ‘2)’. 5) Physical absorbents, media which absorbs one ormore gases via physical phenomena or physical interactions, may bereferred to as a physical solvent, solvent, physical absorbent solvent,liquid, or a combination thereof 6) A ‘desired gas’ may comprise, forexample, a gas is desired to dissolve in the physical solvent or a gasthat is desired to be separated from one or more other gases. In someinstances, one or more dissolved gases may comprise the desired gas orgases. 7) Separation of one or more liquid phases from one or more otherliquid phases in a mixture comprising two or more liquid phases may bereferred to as, including, but not limited to, liquid-liquid separation,or separation of liquid phases, or liquid phase separation, phaseseparation, separating said liquid phases, or a combination thereof 8)‘Permeate’ or permeate liquid may comprise liquid which passes throughone or more semi-permeable membranes or was not or was minimallyrejected by one or more semipermeable membranes. ‘Permeate equivalentliquid’ or liquid equivalent to permeate may comprise a liquid withsimilar composition or characteristics to one or more permeate liquids,however may not have originated, in whole or in part, from a permeatesolution resulting from the separation of one or more or a combinationof reagents in a liquid system using a semipermeable membrane. 9) ‘CSTReagent’, ‘UCST Reagent’ or ‘UCST Forming Reagent’, ‘LCST FormingReagent’ or ‘LCST reagent’: May comprise A) a reagent which exhibitsdecreasing osmotic pressure with increasing temperature in a solutionconsisting sof water and said CST reagent, B) a reagent which possessesgreater affinity for said low solubility reagent relative to water withincreasing temperature, C) a reagent which is soluble in solvent orwater under certain conditions, D) one or more combinations of A to D.

15) ‘LCST binder reagent’: Although all LCST reducing reagents mayreduce LCST of one or more liquid systems with increasing concentrationof the LCST reducing reagent, not all reagents which reduce LCST may beconsidered LCST reducing reagents. An ‘LCST reducing reagent’ may bemore soluble in one or more ‘LCST reagent solvents’ than one or more‘LCST reagents’. On the other hand, reagents which may decrease LCSTwith increasing concentration and may be more soluble or appreciablymore soluble in the one or more ‘LCST reagents’ than one or more ‘LCSTreagent solvents’, may be classified as a ‘LCST binder reagent’.

For example, given an example liquid system comprising polypropyleneglycol 425 (PPG 425), propylene carbonate, water, and 5 wt % sodiumchloride: PPG 425 may be classified as an ‘LCST reagent’, ‘PropyleneCarbonate’ may be classified as a ‘LCST binder reagent’, water may beclassified as a ‘LCST reagent solvent’, and sodium chloride may beclassified as a ‘LCST reducing reagent’. PPG 425 may be classified as aLCST reagent, as, for example, in a solution water and sodium chloridein, it may form a LCST phase transition. Propylene Carbonate may beclassified as a ‘LCST binder reagent’ as, for example, it maypre-dominantly dissolve in a phase more concentrated in PPG 425 in aLCST phase transition where PPG 425 is the LCST reagent. Additionally,for example, in a mixture of water only (water comprising an exampleLCST reagent solvent) or water and sodium chloride only, propylenecarbonate may lack a LCST phase transition. Water may be classified asan ‘LCST reagent solvent’ as, for example, the ‘LCST reagent’ may form aLCST phase transition in a solution comprising LCST reagent dissolved inwater. Sodium chloride may be classified as a ‘LCST reducing reagent’as, for example, sodium chloride may be more soluble in the ‘LCSTreagent solvent’ than the ‘LCST reagent’. Additionally, for example, ina mixture of water only (water comprising an example LCST reagentsolvent) or water and sodium chloride only, sodium chloride may lack aLCST phase transition.

-   -   ‘UCST solvent’: A reagent which may dissolve ‘CST reagent’ and        may exhibit limited solubility in ‘Low solubility reagent’    -   ‘CST Reagent’: A reagent which may enable ‘low solubility        reagent’ to be nearly or completely soluble in UCST solvent        reagent under certain temperatures and/or other conditions and        insoluble or only partially soluble under certain different        temperatures and/or other conditions. Increasing the        concentration of CST reagent may, for example, decrease UCST.    -   ‘Low solubility reagent’: A reagent which may possess low        solubility in a solvent alone, or relatively high solubility in        ‘CST reagent’, or may exhibit complete solubility in solvent in        the presence of CST reagent above one or more concentrations        and/or at certain temperatures and/or other conditions, or a        combination thereof.    -   ‘High solubility reagent’: A reagent which may possess high        solubility in UCST solvent alone, or high solubility in ‘CST        Reagent’, or high solubility in ‘low solubility reagent’, or a        combination thereof. High solubility reagent may, for example,        decrease UCST and/or influence other phase transition properties        in the liquid system.    -   ‘UCST increasing reagent’: A reagent which may possess high        solubility in UCST solvent alone, or low solubility in ‘CST        reagent’ alone, or low solubility in ‘low solubility reagent’        alone, or a combination thereof. Low solubility reagent may, for        example, increase UCST and/or influence other phase transition        properties in the liquid system.

Solvents, UCST solvents, LCST solvents, UCST solvent reagent, LCSTsolvent reagent: May comprise a reagents which may dissolve CST reagent,which may comprise, for example, including, but not limited to, water orammonia.

Miscible solubility or substantially miscible solubility or miscible maydefined as a composition, which may be at specific temperatures or otherconditions, which comprises a single liquid phase combined solution. Forexample, a low solubility reagent may be miscible or substantiallymiscible in a UCST solvent and CST reagent solution above a UCST,meaning a specific or defined amount of low solubility reagent or aliquid phase comprising mostly low solubility reagent may form a singleliquid phase solution at these conditions. Miscible solubility orsubstantially miscible solubility or miscible may not mean miscible in aproportions and temperatures, as, for example, a low solubility reagentmay not be miscible in a proportions and temperatures in a UCST system.

Substantially miscible or miscible may be defined as a one or more or acombination of reagents which, when combined at specific temperatures orother conditions, form a liquid stream with at least 90% of the totalmass of said reagents in a combined single liquid phase.

Substantially Insoluble:

-   -   1) o 1) solubility less than 30 wt %, or 20 wt %, or 10 wt %; or    -   2) o 2) solubility less than 30 wt % and solubility greater than        70 wt %, or 80 wt %, or 90 wt %; or    -   3) o 3) maximum solubility less than 100 wt %, or 90 wt %, or 80        wt %, or 70 wt %, or 60 wt %, or 50 wt %, or 40 wt %, or 30 wt        %, or 20 wt %, or 10 wt %;or    -   4) 4) solubility less than 3 wt %, or 2 wt %; or    -   5) 5) one or more of a combination of 1) to 5)

Limited solubility or Low Water Solubility:

-   -   1) o 1) solubility less than 50 wt %, or less than 40 wt %, or        less than 30 wt %, or 20 wt %, or 10 wt %    -   2) o 2) solubility less than 30 wt % and solubility greater than        70 wt %, or 80 wt %, or 90 wt %    -   3) o 3) maximum solubility less than 100 wt %, or 90 wt %, or 80        wt %, or 70 wt %, or 60 wt %, or 50 wt %, or 40 wt %, or 30 wt        %, or 20 wt %, or 10 wt %

LCST binder reagents maywill follow the CST reagent—if the CST reagentis predominately dissolved in water, the binder reagent maywillpredominately dissolve in water. If the CST reagent is predominately aseparate liquid phase from water, the binder reagent with be may bepredominately dissolved in said separate liquid phase containingpredominately CST reagent.

A ‘low solubility reagent’ may not always be in the liquid phasecontaining the relative greatest amount or most of the CST reagent. Forexample, given a UCST liquid system comprising ‘low solubility reagent’,UCST solvent, and CST reagent, the ‘low solubility reagent’ maysubstantially form a liquid phase containing mostly low solubilityreagent below a UCST and may form a combined single liquid phasesolution with UCST solvent and CST reagent above a UCST. Said liquidphase containing mostly low solubility reagent may contain the minorityamount of CST reagent, while another liquid phase comprising CST reagentand UCST solvent may contain most of the CST reagent in the liquidsystem.

Note: Depending on the CST reagent and liquid system composition,increasing the concentration of CST reagent beyond a certainconcentration relative to ‘low solubility reagent’ and/or one or moreother reagents may transition the liquid system from liquid systempossessing an UCST into a liquid system possessing a LCST. Saidtransition may be exploited in one or more refrigeration cycles orheating cooling transfer systems or extractions or heat engines or oneor more applications described herein.

Other Notes:

-   -   Note: Adjusted may be a synonym to, including, but not limited        to, tuned, tailored, change,    -   Note: ‘CST reagent’ may also refer to ‘UCST reagent’    -   Note: A ‘low solubility reagent’ may exhibit substantial or        miscible solubility in a solution above one or more temperatures        and limited solubility or immiscible solubility below one or        more of said temperatures.    -   Note: One or more reagents may be ‘refrigerants’. Refrigerants        in the context of embodiments with evaporators and absorbers may        comprise reagents with relatively low boiling point or        relatively high vapor pressure. Refrigerants may exhibit        properties of, for example, ‘low solubility reagents.’    -   Note: Nanofiltration (NF) and Reverse Osmosis (RO) are provided        as example membrane based processes in the figures. Other        membrane based processes or membrane based separation devices        may be employed instead or in addition to NF or RO.    -   Note: Example summaries of other example embodiments, which may        include, but are no limited to the following:        -   Datacenter cooling transfer using UCST phase change liquids            and liquid-liquid separation        -   Datacenter cooling transfer using LCST phase change liquids            and combined two-phase liquid (without liquid-liquid            separation)        -   Datacenter cooling transfer using LCST phase change liquids            and combined two-phase liquid with evaporative cooling        -   Power Plant Condenser Cooling using LCST phase change            liquids with Liquid-Liquid Separation        -   Power Plant Condenser Cooling using LCST phase change            liquids and combined two-phase liquid with evaporative            cooling        -   Power Plant Condenser Cooling using UCST phase change            liquids with Liquid-Liquid Separation        -   Power Plant Condenser Cooling using UCST solubility change            liquids and combined two-phase liquid with evaporative            cooling        -   Employing LCST solubility change liquids as an electronic            coolant or high power electronic coolant    -   Note: A CST reagent+refrigerant solution from which refrigerant        is evaporated and the remaining residuals (which may be residual        CST reagent) are mixed with the absorption solution    -   Note: One or more embodiments may further comprise or employ one        or more stages for evaporative cooling    -   Note: Applicable to, for example, indirect and/or direct cooling    -   Note: CST reagents may include CST reagents. CST reagents may        also refer to reagents which enable or result in a solution        exhibiting one or more LCST or UCST. For example, an example        compound which may be referred to as an example ‘CST reagent’ in        the present document, although is not necessarily a polymer        according to conventional definitions, may be, including, but        not limited to, Propylene Glycol n-Propyl Ether (PnP). CST        reagents may exhibit or enable liquid phase transition        properties in an aqueous solution. A CST reagent may comprise        one or more reagents which exhibit or enable one or more liquid        phase transition properties in a solution. CST reagents may also        refer to one or more reagents which may decrease UCST with        increasing concentration, which may involve a limited        concentration range.

OTHER EXAMPLE DESCRIPTIONS

Example UCST Refrigeration Working Fluid System:

-   -   1) A two or more liquid phase multi-liquid phase mixture is        separated into separate liquid streams. Said separate liquid        stream may comprise two separate liquid streams, which may        comprise pre-dominantly separated constituent liquid phases.        -   Note: Said multi-liquid phase mixture may remain a mixture.            In this version, it may be desirable to begin the process at            step 2 with the concentrating of a multi-liquid phase            mixture using one or more membrane based processes. In said            version, the concentrate or retentate may undergo            endothermic or exothermic dissolution during concentrating,            which may be recovered using in-situ heat exchanging with            the one or more membrane modules or heat exchange following            said membrane based process.    -   2) One or more liquid phase containing one or more CST reagents        may be concentrated using one or more membrane based processes.        Said concentrating may result in one or more concentrate        solutions with a relatively greater concentration of said one or        more CST reagents and may result in a permeate solution with a        relatively lower concentration or free concentration of said one        or more CST reagents.    -   3) Said concentrate stream may be mixed one or more separated        liquid phases, which may comprise one or more of said liquid        streams separated in step 1. Said mixing may result in        endothermic dissolution at a relatively lower temperature than        one or more applications requiring cooling or one or more        enthalpy sources and may result in a combined, single liquid        phase solution. Said liquids or combined liquid solution may be        heat exchanged with one or more applications requiring cooling        or one or more enthalpy sources before, during, or after said        mixing, or a combination thereof.    -   4) Said combined single liquid phase solution may be mixed with        permeate solution from step 2 or permeate equivalent solution or        a combination thereof. Said resulting mixing may undergo an        exothermic phase transition into a two or more liquid phase        multi-liquid phase mixture. Said phase transition may be        conducted in the presence of one or more heat exchangers, to for        example, heat one or more applications requiring heating or        release heat to a heat sink. Said resulting multi-liquid phase        mixture may be transferred to step 1.

Example Embodiment Employing Surfactant and Two or More Liquid Reagents:Two or more other reagents are insoluble or have limited solubility ineach other without the surfactant. With the surfactant, the two otherliquid phases dissolve in each other with significant endothermic orexothermic dissolution. The surfactant is higher molecular weight or hasa larger hydration or dissolution radius than the solvatingmolecules/the other liquid reagents.

The system is regenerated by concentrating the surfactant using reverseosmosis, resulting in a permeate stream comprising the two reagentswithout the surfactant. Without the surfactant, the two liquid reagentsare insoluble, are supersaturated, or exhibit limited solubility, or acombination thereof. As a result, the permeate stream becomes cloudywith two or more liquid phases or the two or more liquid reagentswithout the surfactant. The mixture of these two or more liquid phasesmay be separated or remain a mixture. One or more of these liquid phasesor the liquid phase mixture may undergo evaporative cooling, especiallyif one of these liquid phases comprise water and the other liquid phasesare not or exhibit low volatility or vapor pressure.

-   -   1) single phase liquid solution of the surfactant and the two or        more other reagents is fed into a reverse osmosis system. The        surfactant is concentrated, while the permeate comprises the two        or more other reagents with lower molecular weight or smaller        hydration radius or are otherwise un-rejected or limited        rejected reagents (for example: the ‘solvents’). Without the        surfactant, the two or more other reagents are insoluble or        exhibit limited solubility in each other, resulting in the        ‘clouding’ of the permeate stream due to the formation of two or        more liquid phases. In the endothermic dissolution process, this        step may be exothermic or release heat, and may be cooled by        ambient cooling, such as heat exchange with air or evaporative        cooling before or during or after or combination thereof said        step.    -   2) The following steps are optional:        -   Optional: Separation of permeate liquid phases        -   Optional: Evaporation or evaporative cooling of water in a            separated water-rich liquid phase or from the mixture of            liquid phases    -   3) Mixing of the one or more liquid phases with the        surfactant-rich concentrate stream, resulting in the endothermic        dissolution of the liquid phases into a single liquid phase.        Said step reduces the temperature or provides cooling or heat        removal and comprises the ‘cooling’ step. The application        requiring cooling is heat exchanged with this step before,        during, or after, or a combination thereof this step. Following        dissolution and heat exchanging, the single phase liquid        solution is transferred to step 1.

May employ evaporative cooling before the endothermic dissolution or themembrane based process or both. Note: The evaporative coolingtemperature may be above one or more of the UCSTs of the liquid system,if the reagents have an UCST.

Example LCST Working Fluid Refrigeration Cycle:

-   -   1) Endothermic Phase Transition into Multi-Liquid Phase Mixture:        A solution which may comprise one or more LCST reagents (such as        CST reagent) and water may be mixed with a ‘concentrate’        solution. Said concentrate solution may be ‘concentrated’ in one        or more reagents which reduce LCST cloud point (for example:        salts). Said mixing may result in a phase change (for example:        an endothermic phase change), which may involve the formation of        two or more liquid phases. Said liquid phases or solutions may        be heat exchanged before, during, or after, or combination        thereof said mixing. Said heat exchanging may be with one or        more applications requiring cooling or one or more enthalpy        sources.    -   2) Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation: Two or more liquid phases may        be separated, at least in part, into separate two or more        separate liquid streams, each which may comprise one or more of        said liquid phases. One or more of said liquid streams may        containing a relatively significant concentration of one or more        LCST reducing reagents and/or may be lean in one or more LCST        reagents. One or more of said liquid streams may be rich in one        or more LCST reagents and may be lean in one or more LCST        reducing reagents.    -   3) Concentrating LCST Reducing Reagent in One or More Liquid        Streams: One or more LCST reducing reagents in said liquid        stream containing a relatively significant concentration of one        or more LCST reducing reagents may be concentrated using one or        more semi-permeable membrane-based processes. Said concentrating        may result in one or more ‘concentrate’ solutions containing a        relatively higher concentration of one or more LCST reducing        reagents and/or one or more permeate liquids lean-in or        practically free of one or more LCST reducing reagents (for        example: salts). Said concentrate solution(s) may be transferred        to step 1 and said permeate liquid(s) may be transferred to step        4.    -   4) Exothermic Dissolution into Combined Single Liquid Phase        Solution: One or more permeate liquids may be combined or mixed        with one or more liquid streams rich in one or more LCST        reagents, which may result in exothermic dissolution. Said        liquid phases or solutions may be heat exchanged before, during,        or after, or combination thereof said mixing. Said heat        exchanging may be with one or more applications requiring        cooling or one or more heat sinks.

Note: It may be desirable for step 1 to generate a temperature lowerthan the temperature generated in step 4.

Note: Step 3 may be treated with nanofiltration first to, for example,separate a portion of residual CST reagent, if, for example, CST reagentis employed as an LCST reagents; then, second, treat the resultingpermeate with reverse osmosis or lower molecular weight cutoff (MWCO)nanofiltration to concentrate one or more LCST reducing reagents (forexample: salts).

Note: It may be desirable to minimize the salt concentration required toappreciably reduce LCST. It may be desirable to employ other LCSTreducing reagents than salts which may include, but are not limited to,reagents which may not be rejected by one or more membranes employed inthe process. For example, it may be desirable to employ, for example, inpart, reagents which reduce LCST cloud which are not or minimallyrejected by employed semi-permeable membranes because, for example, theymay not or may minimally contribute to the osmotic pressure of the LCSTreagent being concentrated. In other words, energy consumption requiredto sufficiently concentrate said LCST reducing reagent may be lower if alower concentration of LCST reagent(s) which are rejected by one or moremembranes are required to achieve sufficient LCST reduction. Forexample, it may be desirable to reduce the cloud point with glycerol orurea.

Summary Active Cloud Point Adjustment:

Embodiments described herein may employ systems and methods for activelyadjusting the cloud point or LCST or UCST or a combination thereof.Active cloud point adjustment may comprise changing the compositions ofone or more or a combination of liquid phases to increase or decrease ormaintain one or more LCSTs or UCSTs or combination thereof. Active cloudpoint adjustment may involve removing a portion of one or more liquidsystem reagents, or re-introducing additional one or more liquid systemreagents, or adding one or more external reagents to a liquid system, orremoving one or more external reagents from a liquid system. Activecloud point adjustment may involve changing one or more systemconditions to adjust cloud point. Active adjustments of cloud point maybe desirably reversible. Active cloud point adjustment may be inresponse to, for example, changes in one or more system conditions orcompositions or economic factors. Said changes may include, but are notlimited to, one or more or a combination of the following: changes inthe temperature of one or more available heat sources, changes in thetemperature of one or more available cooling sources, changes in outsidetemperature, changes in pressure, changes in composition, changes in theconcentration of one or more reagents affecting cloud point temperature,changes in the value of inputs or outputs, the presence or lack ofpresence of one or more reagents, change in the cost of one or moreenergetic inputs, change in the value of one or more outputs,degradation, impurities, or a combination thereof.

Example Embodiment for Active Cloud Point Adjustment in an LCST LiquidSystem:

An embodiment for active adjustment of cloud point may involvereversibly adjusting the concentration of one or more reagents which mayhave influence on the one or more LCSTs, UCSTs, phase transitions, thecomposition of or one or more liquid phases, the relative mass of one ormore liquid phases, the relative volume of one or more liquid phases, ora combination thereof. For example, a LCST liquid system may comprise,including, but not limited to, one or more or a combination of thefollowing: 1) one or more CST reagents, 2) water, 3) one or morereagents insoluble or exhibiting low solubility in said one or more CSTreagents without the presence of water, or 4) one or more reagentssoluble in said CST reagent and/or water. Said example LCST liquidsystem and/or other example liquid systems may employ one or more or acombination of the following example systems & methods for adjustingLCST.

The present embodiment may employ a membrane-based process and/or theaddition of a ‘permeate’ liquid or ‘permeate equivalent liquid’ toadjust one or more or a combination cloud points.

Decreasing LCST:

-   -   The present example embodiment may involve first forming a        multi-liquid phase solution, which may involve a phase        transition before or during the present example embodiment. One        or more of said liquid phases in said multi-liquid phase        solution may comprise an aqueous solution lean in one or more        CST reagents. The present embodiment may employ one or more        multi-liquid phase liquid-liquid separation devices, which may        separate said liquid phase aqueous solution lean in one or more        CST reagents from one or more other liquid phases. Said        separated liquid phase aqueous solution lean in one or more CST        reagents may comprise, for example, water, one or more salts (or        other reagents which facilitate reduction of LCST cloud point),        and/or residuals of non-rich reagents (for example: CST        reagent). Said solution may be concentrated using, for example,        one or more membrane-based process, such as reverse osmosis and        nanofiltration.    -   In one version of the present embodiment, the liquid phase        aqueous solution lean in one or more CST reagents may comprise a        feed solution to a reverse osmosis system, wherein said salt and        residual CST reagent may be concentrated, forming, for example,        a concentrate. A portion of water and other reagents not        rejected or fully rejected by the one or more membranes may pass        through said one or more membranes, forming, for example, a        permeate liquid or permeate liquid mixture (liquid mixture may        form, for example, if one more reagents are insoluble or exhibit        limited solubility without or with less presence of one or more        reagents rejected by said one or more membranes). A liquid        system containing said concentrate solution may possess a lower        LCST than the LCST of the liquid system before treatment with        one or more membranes. Relatively higher concentration of, for        example, salt, may decrease the LCST of liquid system. Said        permeate, may, for example, be stored. Said permeate liquid may        be later re-introduced into a liquid system. For example, said        permeate liquid may be added to said liquid system to, for        example, increase the one or more LCSTs.    -   In another version of the present embodiment said liquid phase        aqueous solution lean in one or more CST reagents may first        undergo separation of one or more residual CST reagents from a        portion of the remaining solution. Said first separation may        involve concentrating one or more of said residual CST reagents        using one or more semi-permeable membranes. It may be desirable        for said permeable membranes to reject one or more of said CST        reagents, while, for example, allowing one or more other        reagents to pass through the membrane. Said semi-permeable        membranes may comprise, including, but not limited to,        nanofiltration or ultrafiltration. Said concentrating may        resulting in a CST reagent rich concentrate solution or mixture        and a CST reagent-lean or CST reagent-free permeate. Said CST        reagent concentrate may be re-introduced into the liquid system        or stored for later use or re-introduction to the liquid system        or combination thereof. Said CST reagent-lean or CST        reagent-free permeate may comprise, including, but not limited        to, one or more or a combination of the following: water, or        salts, or other reagents which influence phase transition, or        combination thereof. Said CST reagent-lean or CST reagent-free        permeate may be concentrated in a second separation using one or        more semi-permeable membranes, for example, reverse osmosis,        which may be able to concentrate or reject one or more reagents        unrejected or minimally rejected by said first separation. Said        second separation may form a concentrate solution more        concentrated in salts or other reagents which may influence        phase transition or combination thereof and a permeate solution        lean in said one or more reagents. Said concentrate may be        re-introduced into the liquid system, which may decrease said        liquid system's phase transition temperature (such as a LCST) or        multi-liquid phase composition or multi-liquid phase        distribution, other adjustments to said liquid systems cloud        point or phase transition, or a combination thereof. Said        permeate liquid may be later introduced into a liquid system.        For example, said permeate liquid may be added or later added to        said liquid system to, for example, increase the one or more        LCSTs.    -   In another version of the present embodiment, a single liquid        phase combined solution may be concentrated using one or more        membranes.        -   A) For example, said single liquid phase may be first            concentrated using one or more membrane which rejects one or            more larger molecular weight reagents, such as residual CST            reagents, while, for example, allowing smaller molecular            weight reagents, such as salts or low molecular weight            organics or water, to pass through said membranes. Examples            of said membranes, may include, but are not limited to,            nanofiltration or ultra-filtration membranes or other            semi-permeable membrane systems & methods described in            herein. Said concentrating may form a concentrate solution            rich in said one or more larger molecular weight reagents,            and a permeate stream lean or free of said larger molecular            weight reagents. Said concentrate solution may be stored or            introduced into the liquid system. Said permeate may be            returned to the liquid system or may undergo one or more            further steps, for example, step B).        -   B) Said permeate may be concentrated in a second            concentrating step using one or more semi-permeable            membranes, for example, reverse osmosis, which may be able            to concentrate or reject one or more reagents unrejected or            minimally rejected by said first concentrating step. Said            second concentrating step may form a concentrate solution            more concentrated in salts or other reagents which may            influence phase transition or combination thereof and a            permeate solution lean in said one or more reagents. Said            concentrate may be re-introduced into the liquid system,            which may decrease said liquid system's phase transition            temperature (such as an LCST) or multi-liquid phase            composition or multi-liquid phase distribution, other            adjustments to said liquid system's cloud point or phase            transition, or a combination thereof. Said permeate liquid            may be later introduced into a liquid system. For example,            said permeate liquid may be added or later added to said            liquid system to, for example, increase the one or more            LCSTs.        -   Alternatively, said single liquid phase combined solution            may be first concentrated using reverse osmosis. Said            concentrating may reject CST reagent or salts or one or more            other reagents which may influence phase transition or a            combination thereof. Said concentrating may result in            concentrate solution or multi-liquid phase mixture more            concentrated in CST reagent and salts or one or more other            reagents and a permeate solution lean in one or more or            nearly all or all said reagents. Said concentrate solution            or multi-liquid phase mixture may exhibit a lower LCST            relative to the input single liquid phase combined solution.            Said concentrate solution may be introduced to the liquid            system or may comprise a component of the liquid system.            Said permeate liquid may be later introduced into a liquid            system. For example, said permeate liquid may be added or            later added to said liquid system to, for example, increase            the one or more LCSTs.

Increasing LCST:

-   -   LCST of a liquid system may be increased, for example, by adding        permeate liquid or permeate equivalent liquid to said liquid        system. Said permeate liquid may desirably be lean or        essentially free of salts or other reagents which may decrease        LCST when in one or more liquid systems. Said addition of        permeate liquid or permeate equivalent liquid may, for example,        dilute or reduce the concentration of one or more salts or other        reagents which may influence LCST, which may result in an        increase in LCST temperature.

Example Embodiment for Active Cloud Point Adjustment in UCST System:

An embodiment for active adjustment of cloud point may involvereversibly adjusting the concentration of one or more reagents which mayhave influence on the one or more LCSTs, UCSTs, phase transitions, thecomposition of or one or more liquid phases, the relative mass of one ormore liquid phases, the relative volume of one or more liquid phases, ora combination thereof. For example, a UCST liquid system may comprise,including, but not limited to, one or more or a combination of thefollowing: 1) one or more CST reagents, 2) water, 3) one or morereagents insoluble or exhibiting low solubility in said water withoutthe presence of CST reagent and/or one or more other reagents, or 4) oneor more reagents soluble in said CST reagent and/or water. Said exampleUCST liquid system and/or other example liquid systems may employ one ormore or a combination of the following example systems & methods foradjusting UCST.

The present embodiment may employ a membrane-based process and/or theaddition of a ‘permeate’ liquid or ‘permeate equivalent liquid’ toadjust one or more or a combination cloud points.

-   -   Decreasing UCST: The present example embodiment may involve        first forming a multi-liquid phase solution, which may involve a        phase transition before or during the present example        embodiment. One or more of said liquid phases in said        multi-liquid phase solution may comprise a solution containing        one or more CST reagents. In some UCST liquid systems described        herein, one or more CST reagents may function as a necessary        reagent (for example: polypropylene glycols or polyethylene        glycols) to ensure another one or more reagents (for example:        propylene carbonate) are soluble in yet another reagent (for        example: water) at or below one or more UCSTs. Furthermore, in        one or more embodiments described herein, the concentration of        said CST reagent relative to said one or more other reagents may        influence the UCST of the liquid system. For example, in some        liquid systems, an increase in concentration of, for example,        PPG 425, relative to propylene carbonate and/or water, may        decrease said UCST. One or more of said liquid phases comprising        one or more CST reagents may be separated, in part or in whole,        or may remain a multi-liquid phase mixture. Said one or more        liquid phases comprising a solution containing one or more CST        reagents may be concentrated using one or more semi-permeable        membranes, for example, which may include, but are not limited        to, reverse osmosis (RO), nanofiltration (NF), or        ultrafiltration (UF). To decrease cloud point temperature, it        may be desirable for said one or more semipermeable membranes to        reject one or more CST reagents, while, for example, allowing        other reagents to pass through said membrane. By concentrating        one or more CST reagents, while allowing other reagents to pass        through said semi-permeable membrane, salts and other reagents        which may increase UCST, if any, may remain at similar or the        same concentration in solution. Said concentrating may result in        a concentrate solution, which may possess a greater        concentration of one or more CST reagents, and/or a permeate        solution, which may comprise a liquid or multi-liquid phase        mixture lean or free of one or more CST reagents. Said        concentrate may be re-introduced into the liquid system, which        may decrease said liquid system's phase transition temperature        (such as an UCST) or multi-liquid phase composition or        multi-liquid phase distribution, other adjustments to said        liquid system's cloud point or phase transition, or a        combination thereof. Said permeate liquid may be later        introduced into a liquid system. For example, said permeate        liquid may be added or later added to said liquid system to, for        example, increase the one or more UCSTs.    -   In another version of the present embodiment, a single liquid        phase combined solution may be a feed solution concentrated        using one or more semi-permeable membranes. For example, one or        more CST reagents in said single liquid phase combined solution        may be concentrated. Said concentrating may result in a        concentrate solution with a greater concentration of one or more        CST reagents relative to the said feed solution and a permeate        solution lean or substantially free of said one or more CST        reagents. In the substantial absence of one or more CST        reagents, one or more of said reagents in said permeate may be        mutually insoluble or exhibit limited solubility in each other,        which may result in, for example, the resulting permeate        comprising a multi-liquid phase mixture. Said concentrate        solution may exhibit a lower UCST due to, for example, greater        CST reagent concentration. Said permeate liquid may be later        introduced into a liquid system. For example, said permeate        liquid may be added or later added to said liquid system to, for        example, increase the one or more UCSTs.

Increasing UCST:

-   -   The UCST of a liquid system may be increased, for example, by        adding permeate liquid or permeate equivalent liquid to said        liquid system. Said permeate liquid may dilute or reduce the        concentration of one or more CST reagents, which may enable an        increased UCST.    -   Alternatively, or additionally, UCST may be increased using, for        example, a membrane separation process. For example, if a UCST        liquid system may contain salts or one or more other reagents        which may increase UCST, one or more of said reagents may be        concentrated. In one version of the present embodiment, said        concentrating may occur in by concentrating a solution lean or        free of one or more CST reagents (for example: the permeate from        a CST reagent concentrating or separation step using, for        example, nanofiltration or ultrafiltration). Said concentrating        a solution lean or free of one or more CST reagents may be        desirable as it may prevent the substantial simultaneous        concentrating of one or more CST reagents.

The present embodiment may employ said active cloud point adjustment to,for example, actively adjust one or more UCSTs in the embodiment'sliquid system.

The present embodiment for cloud point adjustment may actively adjustsaid solution's cloud point by, including, but not limited to, one ormore or a combination of the following: changing UCST through one ormore nanofiltration concentrating steps or changing UCST through theaddition of permeate or permeate equivalent or changing UCST through oneor more reverse osmosis concentrating steps or maintaining compositionor cloud point by, for example, by-passing composition adjustment steps.

Step-by-Step Description:

The present embodiment may start with, for example, a liquid in a liquidsystem with one or more cloud points. The liquid may have a UCST (or mayhave a LCST) and may comprise a single liquid phase combined solution ora multi-liquid phase mixture solution. One or more embodiments may showa single liquid phase combined solution as an example. Said solution maybe transferred to one of two or three pathways depending on, forexample, if one or more cloud points of said solution or liquid systemmay need to be increased, decreased, or remained constant.

If, for example, one or more cloud points of said liquid system may needto be decreased, it may be desirable for one or more of the reagentswhich may decrease cloud point to be concentrated, using, for example,nanofiltration. Said concentrating with nanofiltration may involvepressurizing the solution using one or more pumps, which may form apressurized feed solution to be concentrated in one or morenanofiltration units (NF). Said feed solution may be fed into one ormore nanofiltration units, which may result in a concentrate stream anda permeate stream. Said concentrate stream may possess a greaterconcentration of, for example, one or more reagents which decrease cloudpoint, which may include, but are not limited to, one or more reagentswhich may be rejected by said one or more nanofiltration units. Saidconcentrate stream may possess a lower UCST than said feed solution.Said permeate solution may be transferred to one or more liquid storagevessels (‘Permeate Storage’). Said permeate may be re-introduced intothe liquid system, for example, upon the need for active increase inUCST.

If, for example, one or more cloud points of said liquid system may needto be increased, it may be desirable for said solution to be mixed withpermeate or permeate equivalent liquid. Said mixing with permeate orpermeate equivalent may dilute or reduced the concentration of one ormore reagents which may decrease UCST, which may result in an increasein one or more UCSTs. Said solution mixed with permeate may be returnedto said liquid system or comprise the liquid system.

If, for example, one or more cloud points of said liquid system may needto be unadjusted, said solution may be transferred to the next stage ofthe process without, for example, adjusting its composition.

Alternatively, or additionally, one or more UCSTs may be adjusted by oneor more membranes-based processes (for example: reverse osmosis), whichmay be conducted by concentrating one or more reagents which mayincrease cloud point temperature with increased concentration in theliquid system. For example, the present embodiment may involve firstforming a multi-liquid phase mixture by, for example, cooling a liquidsystem to at or below one or more UCSTs. Then, the present embodimentmay involve at least partially separating said multi-liquid phasemixture into two or more of its constituent liquid phases. One or moreof said constituent liquid phases may be lean in one or more reagentswhich decrease UCST at greater concentrations and may possesssufficiently large molecular weight or hydration radius to be at leastpartially rejected by a reverse osmosis membrane. Said one or more‘lean’ liquid phases may contain one or more reagents which increaseUCST with increased concentration and may possess sufficiently largemolecular weight or hydration radius to be at least partially rejectedby a reverse osmosis membrane. Said one or more ‘lean’ liquid phases maybe a feed solution in one or more membrane based concentrating steps.Said one or more membrane based concentrating steps may include one ormore concentrating steps to increase the concentration of one or morereagents which increase UCST with increased concentration. Said one ormore membrane based concentrating steps may result in the formation of aconcentrate solution and a permeate solution. Said concentrate solutionmay possess a greater concentration of one or more reagents whichincrease UCST with increased or greater concentration of said one ormore reagents reagent. Said concentrate solution may be introduced intothe liquid system, which may involve mixing one or more liquid phases inthe liquid system or re-formation of a UCST liquid system. Saidconcentrate may increase one or more of the UCSTs of the liquid systemrelative to the liquid system before said concentrating. Said permeatesolution may comprise a solution lean or free of one or more reagentswhich appreciably influence the UCST of the liquid system. Said permeatesolution may be stored. Said permeate solution may be later introducedor added to the liquid system to, for example, decrease one or moreUCSTs.

The present embodiment may employ said active cloud point adjustment to,for example, actively adjust one or more LCSTs in the embodiment'sliquid system.

The present embodiment for cloud point adjustment may actively adjustone or more solutions' cloud point(s) by, including, but not limited to,one or more or a combination of the following: changing LCST through oneor more reverse osmosis concentrating steps or changing LCST through theaddition of permeate or permeate equivalent or changing LCST through oneor more nanofiltration concentrating steps or maintaining composition orcloud point by, for example, by-passing composition adjustment steps.

Step-by-Step Description:

The present embodiment may start with, for example, a liquid in a liquidsystem with one or more cloud points. The liquid may have a LCST (or mayhave a UCST) and may comprise a single liquid phase combined solution ora multi-liquid phase mixture solution. Said solution may be transferredto one of two or three pathways depending on, for example, if one ormore cloud points of said solution or liquid system may need to beincreased, decreased, or remained constant.

If, for example, a liquid system requires a decrease in one or moreLCSTs, one or more LCSTs may be adjusted by membrane-based concentrating(for example: Reverse Osmosis) of one or more reagents which maydecrease cloud point temperature with increased concentration in theliquid system. For example, the present embodiment may involve firstforming a multi-liquid phase mixture by, for example, heating a liquidsystem to at or above one or more LCSTs. Then, the present embodimentmay involve at least partially separating said multi-liquid phasemixture into two or more of its constituent liquid phases. One or moreof said constituent liquid phases may contain a relatively greaterconcentration of one or more reagents which decrease LCST with increasedconcentration, one or more of said reagents which may possesssufficiently large molecular weight or hydration radius to be at leastpartially rejected by a reverse osmosis membrane. Said one or moreliquid phases rich in one or more reagents which decrease LCST withincreased concentrations may be one or more feed solutions in one ormore membrane based concentrating steps. Said one or more membrane basedconcentrating steps may include one or more concentrating steps toincrease the concentration of one or more reagents which decrease LCSTwith increased concentration. Said one or more membrane basedconcentrating steps may result in the formation of a concentratesolution and a permeate solution. Said concentrate solution may possessa greater concentration of one or more reagents which decrease LCST withincreased or greater concentration in an example liquid system. Saidconcentrate solution may be introduced into one or more liquid systems,which may involve mixing one or more liquid phases in a liquid system orre-formation of a LCST liquid system. Said concentrate may increase oneor more of the LCSTs of the liquid system relative to the liquid systembefore said concentrating. Said permeate solution may comprise asolution lean or free of one or more reagents which appreciablyinfluence the LCST of a liquid system. Said permeate solution may bestored. Said permeate solution may be later introduced or added to aliquid system to, for example, increase one or more LCSTs.

If, for example, a liquid system requires an increase in one or moreLCSTs, one or more LCSTs may be adjusted by, for example, addingpermeate or permeate equivalent solution to said liquid system. Thereduced concentration of one or more reagents which decrease LCST withincreasing concentration may result in an increase in the one or moreLCSTs of said liquid system.

If, for example, one or more cloud points of said liquid system may needto be unadjusted, said solution may be transferred to the next stage ofthe process without, for example, adjusting its composition.

-   -   Note: Cooling or heating transfer independent of surrounding        temperature    -   Note: Ionic liquids may be employed in the systems and methods        described herein    -   Note: Example applications include, but are not limited to, one        or more or a combination of the following: extractive        separations where one or more chemicals may be extracted or        concentrated in one liquid phase relative to another liquid        phase, extractive separations where one or more chemicals are        absorbed or dissolved and, subsequently, regenerated,        precipitated or desorbed, cooling or heating in food production        or storage, cooling or heating in beverage production or        storage, pharmaceuticals, chemical and climatic chamber        applications, cold transfer, heat transfer, cold transfer over        long distances, heat transfer over long distances, cold transfer        over long distances independent of surrounding temperature, heat        transfer over long distances independent of surrounding        temperature, low grade heat or cold transfer over long        distances, lower CAPEX heat transfer or cold transfer, lower        OPEX heat transfer or cold transfer, heat storage, cold storage,        Osmotic Heat Engines, extractive separations, gas separations,        HVAC, enthalpy source for heat pump or air conditioner, waste        heat transport, ocean thermal energy conversion, deep water body        derived cooling, ocean thermal energy conversion, power        generation from low grade waste heat, deicing roads, cooling        power plant condenser, datacenter cooling, or industrial        cooling.    -   Note: The temperature surrounding the separate liquid phases        storage vessels (for example: outside temperature) may be        expected to drop below the freezing temperature of water. If        this occurs, the temperature of the liquid phases may cool. If        the temperature of one or more of the liquid phases drops below        the freezing point of water, it may be desirable for one or more        of the liquid phases to be allowed to partially freeze. The        freezing may function as a temperature buffer, as the liquid        below the ‘ice’ layer may maintain a temperature at or above the        freezing point of the solution.    -   Note: Said osmotic heat engine may be employed to generate power        from the difference in temperature between the surface of a road        or other hot surface and a cooler source, such as a cool water        body, cool ground, evaporative cooling, or a combination        thereof.    -   Note: One or more phase change fluids or osmotic heat engines        described herein may be employed as regenerable draw solutions        for a forward osmosis desalination embodiment. For example, the        draw solution may comprise one or more of the liquid phases in        the phase change system. The feed solution may comprise, for        example, a salt water solution that may, for example, be        external from the phase change system. A portion of the water in        the feed solution migrates to the draw solution through one or        more forward osmosis membranes. The resulting diluted draw        solution is heated above a LCST temperature or cooled below a        UCST temperature or combination thereof to ‘rich’ two or more        liquid phases from the single liquid phase diluted draw        solution. One liquid phase may be water ‘rich.’ Another liquid        phase may be, for example, draw solution ‘rich.’ The water rich        solution may undergo further treatment, for example, removal of        at least a portion of residual non-water reagents, before        comprising desalinated or freshwater.    -   Note: The water body or salt water body or other liquid body or        ground (for example geothermal or geo-cooling) or solid body or        combination thereof may be a heat source (for example,        including, but not limited to, solar pond, or evaporative        cooling pond, or a evaporation pond, or the water section        beneath the ice in a water body, the bottom of a water body when        the surface of the water body contains ice or a combination        thereof). The heat from the liquid body or solid body or gas        body or combination thereof may be recovered or harnessed or        transferred using a liquid with LCST phase change into two or        more liquid phases due to heating from the ‘heat’ or enthalpy        source of the liquid body. The two or more liquid phases may be        separated using one or more liquid-liquid or        liquid-liquid-liquid or liquid separation devices. This may        enable the transfer of at least a portion of the heat absorbed        independent of the temperature surrounding the heat transfer        fluids being transported and independent of the distance heat        transfer fluids are required to travel.    -   Note: In an alternative embodiment, an LCST phase change liquid        system may be employed to transport cold from a relatively        cooler depth of a water or other liquid body possessing a        thermocline. The LCST phase change liquid may form two or more        liquid phases when heated above one or more LCST. The LCST        liquid system may transfer the LCST heat exchange fluid as a two        or more phase liquid mixture or two or more phase separate        liquid stream. Said transfer may be conducted to one or more        cooler depths of the thermocline water body. The LCST working        fluid may transform into a single liquid phase or a less liquid        phases during cooling or heat exchange with the surrounding        cooler temperatures at the relatively cooler depth in said        thermocline liquid body. The LCST    -   Note: An LCST working fluid may be employed in the generation of        electricity from the difference in temperature between different        depths of a thermocline water or other liquid body. The LCST        phase change into a two or more liquid mixture may occur, for        example, at or near the surface of the then isocline water body.        The multi liquid phase solution separation device may be located        at or near the surface of the thermocline water body, forming        two or more separate liquid streams each comprising the separate        liquid phases. The pressure retarded osmosis unit or other        osmotic power device or devices may be located beneath the        surface of the water body. For example, it may be desired to        have the hydroelectric generator or hydropower turbine located        at or near the surface of the water body. The hydraulic pressure        and input and output liquid streams from the pressure retarded        osmosis system may, for example, be transported to the surface.        For example, the pressurized outlet stream from the pressure        retarded osmosis system may be transported in one or more        designated pipes to the surface, wherein, for example, said        pressurized outlet stream is passed through one or more        hydroelectricity generators or hydropower turbines before being,        for example, regenerated and recirculated within the integrated        embodiment.    -   Note: The thermocline water or other liquid body embodiments        may, if desired, employ one or more liquids pumped from        different depths of the thermocline as the heat or cool source        or combination thereof. This may desired, for example, if it is        desired for one or more unit operations to be located above the        liquid body or near the surface of the liquid body, rather than,        for example, at a significant depth beneath the surface of the        liquid body.    -   Note: Alternatively, antifreeze or LCST or UCST phase change        liquids or LCST or UCST liquids phases may be stored beneath the        surface or at the bottom of a water body in, for example, one or        more storage vessels. The temperature at the bottom of the water        body, depending on its depth, may be relatively stable        regardless of air temperatures above the water body surface.        Even in shallower water bodies, the temperature of water at the        bottom or otherwise beneath the surface of the water body is        relatively stable when there is ice floating on the surface of        the water body. When the ‘heat’ or ‘cold’ may need to be        extracted from the water body, one or more liquids may be        transferred from one or more of said storage vessels to the        application requiring heating or cooling. The ‘spent’ solution        may be returned to one or more of the storage vessels. The        storage vessels enable, for example, significant storage of heat        or cool with the ability to be immediately utilized if needed.        The previously described systems & methods are superior to, for        example, simply pumping water from beneath the surface of the        water body, as pumping water may result in ice formation,        biofouling, and environmental damage.    -   Note:        -   With Underwater Storage of Working Fluid with Freezing Point            Below the Freezing Point of Water        -   With Heat Pump        -   With LCST Phase Change System with Working Fluid Storage        -   With LCST Phase Change System with Liquid-Liquid Separation        -   With LCST Phase Change System combined liquid mixture or            single liquid stream or without liquid-liquid separation    -   Note: The two or more liquid phase storage containers may be in        part or in whole insulated or store a large volume of liquid or        both to, for example, prevent the solution from completely        freezing during a surrounding temperature drop.    -   Note: If desirable, the one or more liquid phases may contain        other additives to reduce freezing point. It is important to        note, however, partial freezing of one or more of the liquid        phases may be desirable in, for example, embodiments for heating        or de-icing surfaces, as it may function, for example, as a        temperature buffer.    -   Note: Phase change may comprise, including, but not limited to,        a single liquid phase transforming into two or more liquid        phases, two or more liquid phases transforming into less liquid        phases, two or more liquid phases transforming into less liquid        phases due to dissolution of one or more or a portion of liquid        phases, ‘n’ number of liquid phases transforming into ‘n’        number+‘x’ number of liquid phases, into ‘n’ number+‘x’ number        of liquid phases transforming into ‘n’ number of liquid phases    -   Note: Heat input may be provided by the absorption of water        vapor or other vapor or a combination thereof into, for example,        the one or more liquid streams described herein. Cool input or        heat removal may be provided by the desorption or evaporation or        stripping of water vapor or other vapor of a combination thereof        into, for example, the one or more liquid streams described        herein. None, one or more or a combination of the previous        methods may be employed.    -   Note: Alternatively, for example, in climates with temperatures        consistently significantly below the freezing point of water,        the exothermic dissolution may increase the temperature of the        solution at the destination relative to ambient temperatures,        enabling reduced energy consumption for a heating device that        may be employed to further heat the solution to melt the ice.        For example, by supplying a higher temperature heat source, a        heat pump or other heating device may require less energy to        melt a surface relative to heat or extracting enthalpy or        entropy or heat from a working fluid with lower temperature.    -   Note: In, for example, embodiments transferring cold from a        thermocline water body from deeper liquid depths, the pipe        transferring the cool transfer liquid or coolant may function as        a heat exchanger with the surroundings. By the time the cool        transfer liquid reaches the point of a liquid-liquid separation        apparatus, the cool transfer liquid may have undergone a UCST        phase change into two or more liquid phases. An additional heat        exchange apparatus may be employed, although it may be        unnecessary as the coolant transport pipe may provide sufficient        heat exchange with the surroundings.    -   Note: Relatively warm may comprise a temperature above the cloud        point or phase change temperature of the LCST or UCST solution.    -   Note: Relatively cold may comprise a temperature below the cloud        point or phase change temperature of the LCST or UCST solution.    -   Note: The exiting combined single phase liquid solution may, if        desired, be heat exchanged with the incoming liquid solution, as        the temperature of the outgoing solution may be greater than the        incoming or input solution. This may enable recovery of some        heat.    -   Note: Liquid-liquid separation devices may alternatively be        located at or above the surface of a water body. This may be        applicable, for example, including, but not limited to, in        instances where the UCST or LCST working fluid is employed in        district cooling or where the cooling source is in close        proximity to the surface of a water body or the surface of land,        however the distance of the cooling source to the one or more        applications requiring cooling may be far.    -   Note:        -   LCST with liquid storage, road can act as both the heat            source and the cold source depending on the temperature of            the road. For example, the systems and methods may be            powered by ambient temperature change.        -   The LCST point may be tuned one or more temperatures, for            example, near the temperature of freezing of water,            including, but not limited to, one or more or a combination            of the following: 0° C. to 5° C., 0° C. to 10° C., 0° C. to            20° C.        -   Whenever the road is above the LCST temperature, for            example, a ‘single phase’ solution may be passed through one            or more pipes or heat exchangers under the road, forming a            two or more liquid phase multiphasic solution due to            endothermic phase change, while absorbing heat from the road            which may be further separated using a liquid-liquid            separation device and the two separate liquid phases            transferred to two separate liquid storage containers.        -   Whenever the road temperature is below, for example, 1° C.            or there is precipitation or risk of ice or combination            thereof, the separate liquid phases from the liquid storage            containers may be transferred into the pipes under the roads            where they are mixed either before or within the pipes        -   The pipes under the roads may contain baffles or other            mixing devices to promote heat or cool transfer or            accelerate shift of liquid phases to at or near equilibrium.        -   Heat sources may include, but are not limited to, the            ambient temperature of the road, industrial waste heat            sources, or the relatively ‘warm’ temperature of the bottom            of as water body    -   Note: In embodiments for de-icing surfaces or roads, it may be        desirable for the LCST cloud point temperature to be:        -   Sufficiently above the temperature of water freezing to            ensure effective delta T for effective heat exchange with            the surface        -   Sufficiently low of a temperature for abundant ambient            sources of heat (for example, including, but not limited to,            one or more or a combination of the following: diurnal            temperature variation, temperature variation of the surface            from surrounding sources, waste heat, solar heat) to be able            to supply heat for the LCST phase change.    -   An example temperature range for the LCST cloud point may be as        large as, for example, including, but not limited to, 0-50° C.,        although for applications dependent on, for example, diurnal        temperature variation, it may be, for example, including, but        not limited to, 3-12° C.    -   Note: Example Compositions        -   LCST: propylene carbonate, water, PPG 425, or ionic compound            or compound with relatively low solubility in propylene            carbonate and PPG 425 and relatively high solubility in            water or combination thereof        -   UCST: propylene carbonate, water, PPG 425, or combination            thereof        -   The concentration ratios in the LCST case may be, for            example, ˜0-40 wt % propylene carbonate, ˜20-50 wt % PPG            425, and ˜30-65 wt % aqueous salt solution        -   The concentration ratios in the UCST case are ˜10-80 wt %            propylene carbonate (for near equal layering, 40-60 wt % may            be desired), ˜3-25 wt % PPG 425, and ˜15-35 wt % water (for            near equal layering, 20-30 wt % may be desired)        -   Adding additives which are soluble in water and insoluble or            exhibit limited solubility in PPG 425 or Propylene Carbonate            or both may, for example, have the following impact on the            cloud point temperature:            -   LCST: Decrease the LCST temperature            -   UCST: Increase the UCST temperature        -   Example components that are insoluble or exhibit low            solubility in both PPG 425 and Propylene Carbonate include,            but are not limited to, one or more or a combination of the            following: ionic compounds, glycerol, ethylene glycol, or            polyethylene glycols).        -   Adding additives which are soluble in water and soluble in            PPG 425 or Propylene Carbonate or both may, for example,            have the following impact on the cloud point temperature:            -   LCST: Increase the LCST temperature            -   UCST: Decrease the UCST temperature        -   Example components that are soluble in Water, PPG 425, and            Propylene Carbonate include, but are not limited to, one or            more or a combination of the following: ionic compounds,            propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol dimethyl ethers).    -   Note: Embodiments herein may incorporate a gas phase or        vapor-liquid equilibrium component to, including, but not        limited to, heating and cooling transfer.        -   For example, the cooling or heating transfer may involve a            liquid phase that vaporizes a gas at a site requiring heat            removal, the gas phase and liquid phases being at least in            part separated, transporting the gas phase separate from the            liquid phase to the heat release or heat sink, combining the            gas phase and liquid phase before or at the one or more heat            release or heat sink sites, or a combination thereof.        -   For example: The UCST or LCST phase change may incorporate            one or more gas phases. For example, one or more of the            liquid phases resulting from the UCST or LCST phase change            may possess a higher vapor pressure of one or more gases            relative to, for example, the combined single-phase solution            or another liquid phase.        -   For example: Heating or cooling may be transferred or            utilized by a combination of UCST phase change, LCST phase            change, specific heat, and phase change between liquid and            gas phases.    -   Note: low viscosity at low and elevated temperatures,        temperature tunability, high enthalpy of phase change, does not        require insulation on pipes if not desired, lower volume of        liquid requiring piping, latent heat driven—not entirely        specific heat    -   Note: The fluid flow rate and surface area of the surface or        road heated or cooled by the LCST or UCST liquid phase change        solution heat exchange may be dependent on, including, but not        limited to, the enthalpy change of dissolution or multiphase        liquid formation, the specific heat capacity of the road or        surface being heated or cooled, the depth of the heat exchange        piping relative to the surface, the configuration of the        specific heat piping (for example coils or parallel heat        exchanger configurations), the density or proximity of the        specific heat piping relative to each other, the cloud point        temperature or temperatures of the solution, estimated annual        precipitation, the average diurnal temperature variation and        frequency during, for example, cooler seasons, or combination        thereof.    -   Note: The combined liquid solution (L-1) may comprise two or        more liquid phases if, for example, the temperature outside is        sufficiently warm or sufficient heat penetration has occurred to        enable a multiphase phase change in, for example, the liquid        storage container.    -   Note: Specific Heat, or Specific Heat Capacity, or Heat Capacity    -   Note: Cooling or heating application may be floating on the        surface of the water or liquid body or located on land or        combination thereof    -   Note: Embodiments herein may employ pumps or other fluid or mass        transfer devices. Figures may not include pumps and other        devices even if these devices ay be required in the embodiment        shown. For example, there are numerous configurations and types        of pumps that may be employed.    -   Note: Phase change may occur over the course of liquid transfer.        The pipe itself may function as a heat exchanger with the        surroundings. The phase change into two or more liquid phases        may occur gradually as the liquid is transferred through water        depths where the temperature of the surrounding water body is at        or below the one or more UCST cloud point temperatures.    -   Note: Polypropylene carbonate, polyethylene carbonate,    -   Note: metals, transition metals, metals with low melting point,        molten salts, salts with low melting point, salts with melting        point, metals with melting point    -   Note: Thermocline bodies are not limited to liquid bodies. For        example, geothermal temperature gradients in the ground are        considered thermocline bodies. For example, the temperature        gradient in the atmosphere by altitude is an example of a        thermocline body. A combination thereof may be employed in the        embodiments described herein.    -   Note: Salinity difference may include, but is not limited to, a        halocline or salinity concentration gradient

Example Experimental Data General Field Specific Field ID (Down) (Down)Data Values Ethylene Glycol Diacetate - PPG-425 Example UCST Cloud Point1A Solvent Ethylene Glycol 20.03 g Composition Diacetate (grams) DIWater (grams) 15.22 g PPG-425 (grams) 14.58 g Temperatures Solution 32.5C. Temperature (Celsius) Estimated UCST   <8 C. (Celsius) Clouding/Number of Layers  2 Layering Top Layer Est. 28 Volume (mL) (if any)Middle Layer Est. N/A Volume (mL) (if any) Bottom Layer Est. 22 Volume(mL) (if any) Other Layering Two nearly transparent layers form in icebath. Likely too Notes (mL) (if any) much PPG - cloud point is less than8 C. (clouding was conducted in an ice bath than cloud point wasdetermined by heating the solution gradually). Propylene Carbonate -PPG-425 Example UCST Cloud Point 1F Solvent Propylene Carbonate (grams)20.00 g Composition DI Water (grams) 15.01 g PPG-425 (grams)  6.93 gTemperatures Solution Temperature (Celsius) 31.7 C. Estimated UCST(Celsius) 29.5 C. Clouding/ Number of Layers  2 Layering Top Layer Est.Volume (mL) (if any) 18-20 mL Middle Layer Est. Volume (mL) (if any) N/ABottom Layer Est. Volume (mL) (if any) 20-22 mL Other Layering Notes(mL) (if any) Two transparent layers Propylene Carbonate - PEGDME 500Example UCST Cloud Point Solvent Propylene Carbonate 45.07 g Composition(grams) DI Water (grams) 30.07 g PEGDME 500 (grams) 21.08 g TemperaturesSolution Temperature (Celsius) Estimated UCST (Celsius) First: 22° C.Second: 15° C. Clouding/ Number of Layers 2 or 3 Layering Top Layer Est.Volume (mL) 55 mL (if any) Middle Layer Est. Volume Visually seen,although inconsistent (mL) (if any) volume and eventual disappearanceBottom Layer Est. Volume 35 mL (mL) (if any) Other Layering Notes (mL)Two transparent layers, although three (if any) layers during a certaintemperature range

Note: PEGDME 500-Propylene Carbonate-Water system appears it may possesstwo different UCST cloud points, one UCST cloud point which forms threeliquid phases or layers and another UCST cloud which forms two layers.The three liquid phase cloud point may exist within a specifictemperature range and, upon further temperature reduction, may form twoliquid phases.

Propylene Carbonate - PEGDME 500 Example UCST Cloud Point General FieldID (Down) Specific Field (Down) Data Values Solvent Propylene Carbonate39.99 g Composition (grams) DI Water (grams) 30.00 g PEGDME 500 (grams)10.96 g Temperatures Solution Temperature (Celsius) Estimated UCSTFirst: 37.9° C. (Celsius) Three Layers defined at: ~26° C. Three Layersappear to turn into two layers at: ~24° C. Clouding/ Number of Layers 2or 3 Layering Top Layer Est. Volume (mL) (if any) Middle Layer Est.Volume (mL) (if any) Bottom Layer Est. Volume (mL) (if any) OtherLayering Notes Two transparent layers, (mL) (if any) although threelayers under certain temperature range

Summary: The present embodiments may pertain to reagents for creatingnovel upper critical solution temperature and lower critical solutiontemperature solubility swing compositions and novel systems and methodsemploying their unique capabilities. The present embodiments also benovel systems & methods. Applications improved, facilitated, or enabledmay also be described herein.

Some embodiments may describe compositions to create a cooling cloudpoint (‘LCST’) or heating cloud point (‘UCST’) with desirablecharacteristics for the applications and novel systems & methodsdescribed herein. Examples of said desirable characteristics mayinclude, but are not limited to, one or more or a combination of thefollowing: significant tunability of cloud-point temperature, lowviscosity, large enthalpy of liquid-liquid phase change, small enthalpyof liquid-liquid phase change, non-volatile, non-toxic, low cost, nodegradation, stable, limited or no corrosion, selectivity for one ormore chemicals, significant layer separation, difference in densitybetween liquid phases, or separability of liquid phases usingliquid-liquid separation devices.

Reagent Compositions and Combinations

The relatively low viscosity of one or more UCST working fluidsdescribed herein may be one of the breakthroughs introduced herein, asprior art temperature tunable UCST reagents involve high viscositycomplex polymer gels. The relatively low viscosity UCST working fluidsintroduced herein may include compositions that possess a UCSTtemperature that is adjustable or tunable to any temperature from−20-1000° C.

The relatively low viscosity of the LCST working fluids may be anotherof the unprecedented fundamental science breakthroughs introducedherein, as prior art temperature tunable UCST reagents involve complexpolymer gels or higher viscosity reagents. The relatively low viscosityLCST working fluids introduced herein may include compositions thatpossess a LCST temperature that is adjustable or tunable to anytemperature from −20-1000° C.

UCST reagent compositions may include, but are not limited to, one ormore or a combination of the following: water, organic solvent, polymer,glycol, carbonate, carbonate ester, ester, ether, diol, lactam, proticsolvents, aprotic solvents, amide, alcohol, fluorinated compound,halogenated compound, hydrocarbon, organic polymer, alkylene glycol,alkylene carbonate, polyol, urea, ionic liquid, imine, amine, amide,imide, azide, azine, acrylamide, acrylic, carboxylic acid, ketone,aldehydes, alkaloids, halides, carbonyl, nitrile, acetyl, peroxide,ionic compounds, epoxide, thioester, acetal, alkane, alkene, alkyne,haloalkane, hydroperoxide, methoxy, Carboxylate, cyanate, nirate,nitrite, nitroso, oximine, carbamate, pyridine, organic sulfur compound,organic phosphorous compound, boron, boron containing compound,inorganic chemical, inorganic compound, enol

LCST reagent compositions may include, but are not limited to, one ormore or a combination of the following: water, organic solvent, polymer,glycol, carbonate, carbonate ester, ester, ether, diol, lactam, proticsolvents, aprotic solvents, amide, alcohol, fluorinated compound,halogenated compound, hydrocarbon, organic polymer, alkylene glycol,alkylene carbonate, polyol, urea, ionic liquid, imine, amine, amide,imide, azide, azine, acrylamide, acrylic, carboxylic acid, ketone,aldehydes, alkaloids, halides, carbonyl, nitrile, acetyl, peroxide,ionic compounds, epoxide, thioester, acetal, alkane, alkene, alkyne,haloalkane, hydroperoxide, methoxy, Carboxylate, cyanate, nirate,nitrite, nitroso, oximine, carbamate, pyridine, organic sulfur compound,organic phosphorous compound, boron, boron containing compound,inorganic chemical, inorganic compound, enol

Example Reagent Combinations with Tunable or Adjustable UCST or LCSTCloud Point Temperature and Regenerability:

-   -   Reagent combination comprising: X+Y+Z        -   Wherein X comprises one or more or a combination of the            following:            -   DI Water            -   Water            -   Low molecular weight organic solvent            -   Alcohols        -   Wherein Y comprises one or more or a combination of the            following:            -   Propylene Carbonate            -   Propylene acetate            -   Ethylene Carbonate            -   Organic solvent partially solvent in water            -   Dimethoxymethane            -   Acetals            -   Ethers            -   Esters        -   Wherein Z comprises one or more or a combination of the            following:            -   Polypropylene Glycol 425            -   Polypropylene Glycol 725            -   Polypropylene Glycol 1000            -   Polyethylene Glycol molecular weights 200-100,000            -   Polyethylene Glycol Dimethyl Ethers            -   Ethers            -   Acrylamides    -   Reagent combination comprising: X+Y+Z+A        -   Wherein X comprises one or more or a combination of the            following:            -   DI Water            -   Water            -   Low molecular weight organic solvent            -   Alcohols            -   Ketones        -   Wherein Y comprises one or more or a combination of the            following:            -   Propylene Carbonate            -   Ethylene Carbonate            -   Organic solvent partially solvent in water            -   Dimethoxymethane            -   Acetals            -   Ethers            -   Esters        -   Wherein Z comprises one or more or a combination of the            following:            -   Polypropylene Glycol 425            -   Polypropylene Glycol 725            -   Polypropylene Glycol 1000            -   Polyethylene Glycol molecular weights 200-100,000            -   Polyethylene Glycol Dimethyl Ethers            -   Ethers            -   Acrylamides        -   Wherein A comprises one or more or a combination of the            following:            -   A reagent with high solubility in reagent X and low                solubility in reagent Y or reagents Y and Z            -   One or more ionic compounds            -   Glycerol    -   Reagent combination comprising: X+Y+Z+B        -   Wherein X comprises one or more or a combination of the            following:            -   DI Water            -   Water            -   Low molecular weight organic solvent            -   Alcohols            -   Ketones        -   Wherein Y comprises one or more or a combination of the            following:            -   Propylene Carbonate            -   Ethylene Carbonate            -   Organic solvent partially solvent in water            -   Dimethoxymethane            -   Acetals            -   Ethers            -   Esters        -   Wherein Z comprises one or more or a combination of the            following:            -   Polypropylene Glycol 425            -   Polypropylene Glycol 725            -   Polypropylene Glycol 1000            -   Polyethylene Glycol molecular weights 200-100,000            -   Polyethylene Glycol Dimethyl Ethers            -   Ethers            -   Acrylamides        -   Wherein B comprises one or more or a combination of the            following:            -   A reagent with high solubility in reagent X and high                solubility in reagent Y or reagents Y and Z            -   Propylene Glycol            -   Ethylene Glycol            -   Diols            -   Polyethylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether 250            -   Ethers            -   Ketones            -   Esters            -   Glymes            -   Glycols            -   Polyols            -   Lactams

Example Reagent Compositions with UCST Cloud Point Temperature and CloudPoint Temperature Adjustment or Tuning and Relatively Low Viscosity:

The below compositions may demonstrate the relatively small adjustmentsin composition that may be employed to adjust the cloud pointtemperature or UCST of the liquid system. The below compositions mayalso demonstrate the ability to adjust the size and composition of thebottom and top liquid layers (or middle layers or other layers orphases) formed from the UCST phase change. Some of the belowcompositions may also demonstrate tunable UCST compositions comprisingonly non-toxic, non-volatile or nearly non-volatile chemicals (forexample: water vapor). Some of the below compositions may alsodemonstrate tunable UCST compositions comprising only non-corrosive orlow corrosivity reagents. Some of the below compositions may alsodemonstrate tunable UCST compositions comprising no or limited presenceof an ionic compound.

It is important to note the one or more phases which may forming belowthe UCST temperature in a UCST system may have different densitycompared to one or more other phases. As a result, the one or morephases may form liquid ‘layers,’ where each layer is concentrated orcomprises a liquid phase.

Note: The presence of most ionic compounds which may comprising, forexample, including, but not limited to, sodium chloride, potassiumbicarbonate, potassium carbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, ammoniumcarbonate, ammonium phosphates, ammonium sulfate, increase the UCSTcloud point temperature in aqueous systems with, for example,Polypropylene Glycol or Polyethylene Glycol or Polyethylene GlycolDimethyl Ether. In aqueous systems with, for example, PolypropyleneGlycol, the cloud point temperature may increase with increasedconcentration of glycerol. In aqueous systems with, for example,Polypropylene Glycol, the cloud point temperature may decrease withincreased concentration of propylene glycol.

Example Composition #1 Composition 19.4 wt % PPG 425 53.6 wt % PropyleneCarbonate 27 wt % Deionized Water Cloud Point Temperature ~18° C. Volume% of Top Layer ~45.5% Below Cloud Point Temperature Composition of TopLayer Water + PPG 425 Rich Phase Volume % of Bottom Layer ~54.5% BelowCloud Point Temperature Composition of Bottom Propylene Carbonate RichPhase Layer Example Composition #2 Composition 23.0 wt % PPG 425 51.2 wt% Propylene Carbonate 25.8 wt % Deionized Water Cloud Point Temperature~4.1° C.  Volume % of Top Layer   ~51% Below Cloud Point TemperatureComposition of Top Layer Water + PPG 425 Rich Phase Volume % of BottomLayer   ~49% Below Cloud Point Temperature Composition of BottomPropylene Carbonate Rich Phase Layer Example Composition #3 Composition19.3 wt % PPG 425 48.4 wt % Propylene Carbonate 32.3 wt % DeionizedWater Cloud Point Temperature ~18° C. Volume % of Top Layer   ~57% BelowCloud Point Temperature Composition of Top Layer Water + PPG 425 RichPhase Volume % of Bottom Layer   ~43% Below Cloud Point TemperatureComposition of Bottom Propylene Carbonate Rich Phase Layer ExampleComposition #4 Composition 21.5 wt % PPG 425 39.2 wt % PropyleneCarbonate 39.3 wt % Deionized Water Cloud Point Temperature ~13.6° C.  Volume % of Top Layer   ~77% Below Cloud Point Temperature Compositionof Top Layer Water + PPG 425 Rich Phase Volume % of Bottom Layer   ~23%Below Cloud Point Temperature Composition of Bottom Propylene CarbonateRich Phase Layer Example Composition #5 Composition 21.5 wt % PPG 42539.0 wt % Propylene Carbonate 39.25 wt % Deionized Water 0.25 wt %Ammonium Sulfate Cloud Point Temperature ~15.6° C.   Volume of Top Layer~73.3%   Below Cloud Point Temperature Composition of Top Layer Water +PPG 425 + Ammonium Sulfate Rich Solution Volume of Bottom Layer ~26.7%  Below Cloud Point Temperature Composition of Bottom PropyleneCarbonate - Rich Solution Layer

Composition #5 may show the presence of a relatively small concentrationof ammonium sulfate (for example: 0.25 wt %) increases the UCST cloudpoint temperature of the liquid system relative to Composition #4.

Example Composition #6 Composition 21.2 wt % PPG 425 38.3 wt % PropyleneCarbonate 38.6 wt % Deionized Water 1.9 wt % Glycerol Cloud PointTemperature ~17.3° C. Volume of Top Layer ~73.3% Below Cloud PointTemperature Composition of Top Layer Water + PPG 425 + Glycerol - RichSolution Volume of Bottom Layer ~26.7% Below Cloud Point TemperatureComposition of Bottom Propylene Carbonate - Rich Solution Layer

Composition #6 may show the presence of a relatively small concentrationof glycerol (for example: 1.9 wt %) increases the UCST cloud pointtemperature of the liquid system relative to Composition #4.

Example Composition #7 Composition 21.1 wt % PPG 425 38.3 wt % PropyleneCarbonate 38.5 wt % Deionized Water 2.2 wt % Propylene Glycol CloudPoint Temperature ~11.9° C. Volume of Top Layer ~84.5% Below Cloud PointTemperature Composition of Top Layer Water + PPG 425 + PropyleneGlycol - Rich Solution Volume of Bottom Layer ~15.5% Below Cloud PointTemperature Composition of Bottom Propylene Carbonate - Rich SolutionLayer

Composition #7 shows the presence of a relatively small concentration ofpropylene glycol (for example: 2.2 wt %) may decrease the UCST cloudpoint temperature of the liquid system relative to Composition #4.

Example Reagent Compositions with LCST Cloud Point Temperature and CloudPoint Temperature Adjustment or Tuning and Relatively Low Viscosity:

The below compositions may also demonstrate the relatively smalladjustments in composition that may be employed to adjust the cloudpoint temperature or LCST of the liquid system. The below compositionsalso demonstrate the ability to adjust the size and composition of thebottom and top liquid layers (or middle layers or other layers orphases) formed from a LCST phase change. Some of the below compositionsmay also demonstrate tunable LCST compositions comprising onlynon-toxic, non-volatile or nearly non-volatile chemicals (for example:water vapor). Some of the below compositions may also demonstratetunable LCST compositions comprising only non-corrosive or lowcorrosivity reagents. Some of the below compositions also demonstratefully tunable LCST compositions comprising no or limited presence of anionic compound.

It is important to note the one or more phases which may forming belowthe LCST temperature in a LCST system may have different densitycompared to one or more other phases. As a result, the one or morephases may form liquid ‘layers,’ where each layer is concentrated orcomprises a liquid phase.

Note: The presence of most ionic compounds comprising, for example,including, but not limited to, sodium chloride, potassium bicarbonate,potassium carbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium carbonate, ammoniumphosphates, ammonium sulfate, decrease the LCST cloud point temperaturein aqueous systems with, for example, Polypropylene Glycol orPolyethylene Glycol or Polyethylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether. In aqueoussystems with, for example, Polypropylene Glycol, the cloud pointtemperature may decrease with increased concentration of glycerol. Inaqueous systems with, for example, Polypropylene Glycol, the cloud pointtemperature may increase with increased concentration of propyleneglycol.

Example Composition #8 Composition 32.8 wt % PPG 425 65.3 wt % DeionizedWater 1.9 wt % Sodium Chloride Cloud Point Temperature ~35.9° C. ExampleComposition #9 Composition 32.3 wt % PPG 425 64.4 wt % Deionized Water3.3 wt % Sodium Chloride Cloud Point Temperature ~28.2° C. Volume % ofTop Layer ~23.2% Above Cloud Point Temperature Composition of Top LayerPPG 425 Rich Phase Volume % of Bottom Layer ~76.8% Above Cloud PointTemperature Composition of Bottom Water + Sodium Chloride Rich PhaseLayer

Composition #9 may show increasing the concentration of sodium chloridedecreases the cloud point temperature of the liquid system relative toComposition #8.

Example Composition #10 Composition 30.4 wt % PPG 425 60.5 wt %Deionized Water 6.0 wt % Polyethylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether (PEGDME) 2503.1 wt % Sodium Chloride Cloud Point Temperature ~28.9° C. Volume % ofTop Layer ~24.2%   Above Cloud Point Temperature Composition of TopLayer PPG 425 + PEGDME 250 Rich Phase Volume % of Bottom Layer ~75.8%  Above Cloud Point Temperature Composition of Bottom Water + SodiumChloride Rich Phase Layer Example Composition #11 Composition 28.4 wt %PPG 425 56.7 wt % Deionized Water 12.0 wt % Polyethylene Glycol DimethylEther (PEGDME) 250 2.9 wt % Sodium Chloride Cloud Point Temperature  ~29° C. #1 Volume % of Top Layer ~17.0%   Above Cloud PointTemperature (Cloud Point #1) Composition of Top Layer PPG 425 + PEGDME250 Rich Phase Volume % of Bottom Layer ~83.0%   Above Cloud PointTemperature (Cloud Point #1) Composition of Bottom Water + SodiumChloride Rich Phase Layer Cloud Point Temperature   ~35° C. #2 Volume %of Top Layer ~22.7%   Above Cloud Point Temperature (Cloud Point #2)Composition of Top Layer PPG 425 + PEGDME 250 Rich Phase Volume % ofBottom Layer ~77.3%   Above Cloud Point Temperature (Cloud Point #2)Composition of Bottom Water + Sodium Chloride Rich Phase Layer ExampleComposition #12 Composition 49.3 wt % PPG 425 49.3 wt % Deionized Water1.4 wt % Sodium Chloride Cloud Point Temperature ~34.1° C. Volume % ofTop Layer ~60% Above Cloud Point Temperature Composition of Top LayerPPG 425 Rich Phase Volume % of Bottom Layer ~40% Above Cloud PointTemperature Composition of Bottom Water + Sodium Chloride Rich PhaseLayer Example Composition #13 Composition 20.0 wt % PPG 425 57.9 wt %Deionized Water 20.2 wt % Propylene Carbonate 1.8 wt % Ammonium SulfateCloud Point Temperature ~31.5° C. Volume % of Top Layer ~65% Above CloudPoint Temperature Composition of Top Layer Water + Ammonium Sulfate RichPhase Volume % of Bottom Layer ~35% Above Cloud Point TemperatureComposition of Bottom Propylene Carbonate + PPG-425 Rich Phase Layer

Example Composition #13 may show PPG 425+Propylene Carbonate+Water+Saltsolutions may form a LCST system with or without a UCST with differentrelative concentrations of reagents than, for example, Composition #5.

Cool or Heat Absorption or Transfer Using Relatively Low Viscosity UCSTReagents

Summary (FIG. 13): FIG. 13 may show an embodiment for highly efficientcooling transfer using relatively low viscosity upper critical solutiontemperature (UCST) phase change liquid solution with liquid-liquidseparation.

The first step of FIG. 13 may involve cooling a single liquid phasesolution (L-1) below its UCST, which may phase transition into two ormore liquid phases in a multi-liquid phase mixture (LL-1). Said phasetransition may be exothermic and may release heat into one or moreapplications requiring heating, or to one or more cooling sources, or toevaporative cooling, or to one or more heat sinks or to a combinationthereof.

The liquid-liquid phase change may significantly increase the cooling orheating capacity of a unit mass of solvent relative to, for example,conventional specific heat-only driven coolants. In the case of FIGS. 17and 20, said significant increase in cooling capacity may be achieved apre-existing or conventional heat transfer system schematic (drop-inheat transfer fluid). In the case of FIG. 13, the liquid-liquidseparation and separate liquid transport (described further in the nextparagraph) may enable cooling transfer over longer distances or usinglower cost less insulated pipe or using lower cost non-insulated pipe orwith smaller liquid volumes while achieving the similar cooling capacityor combination thereof. The liquid phase transition may also reduce therequired temperature difference between the ‘cold’ input coolant and the‘hot’ output coolant (or vise versa in the case of heating), as coolingmay be transferred with a significantly smaller temperature swing ordelta T due to, for example, the existence of a latent heat ofliquid-liquid phase transition.

The two or more-liquid phase solution (LL-1) may be separated using oneor more liquid-liquid separation devices (LLS-1) into two or moreseparate liquid streams (L-2 and L-3), each which may comprise, at leastin part, one of the liquid phases in LL-1. In FIG. 13, the separateliquid streams may be transported ‘separately’ to prevent contactbetween the liquid phases during transport. If the temperature of one ormore of the liquid streams rises to at or above the UCST of the liquidsystem, the separate liquid streams may not dissolve in each other asthey may be separate during transport. Regardless of the temperature ofthe two separate liquid streams over the course of transport, the twoseparate liquid streams may absorb heat upon combining the separateliquid streams at or above the combined liquid's UCST, which may be atone or more applications requiring cooling. As a result, the separatedliquid phases may be transported ‘infinite’ or significantly longerdistances and may supply cooling upon arrival at the applicationrequiring cooling. The embodiment may mix the two or more liquid phasesbefore entering the one or more cooling application heat exchangers orone or more cooling application heat exchangers may independentlyfunction as apparatuses for combining or mixing the liquid phases.

Summary (FIG. 16): FIG. 16 may show an embodiment for transferring heatfrom a heat source to an application requiring heating using one or moreUCST phase changes and/or liquid-liquid separations.

The present embodiment may comprise a cooling transfer systemfunctioning as a heat transferring system, for example, including, butnot limited to, due to a change in system conditions, due to a change ineconomics, due to a change in system surroundings, due to a change inweather conditions, due to economic reasons, or for other reasons, orfor a combination thereof.

Systems described herein for heating or cooling transfer may bereversibly applied to both cooling or heat transfer.

Alternatively, the present embodiment may be employed where one or moreof the liquid phases have a useful application at the heat source. Forexample, the present embodiment may be employed where cooling is alsodesired at the heat source. For example, the present embodiment may beemployed as a means of providing ‘cool’ storage for the heat source (forexample, including, but not limited to, a power plant or industrialsite), wherein, for example, two or more liquid phases are stored inseparate storage vessels and may be later mixed to provide cooling oruseful work when needed.

For example, the present embodiment may be employed as a basis of anosmotic heat engine, wherein, for example, two or more liquid phases maybe mixed in the presence of a semipermeable membrane or pressureretarded osmosis system, and wherein, for example, one or more phasesmay function as a draw solution and one or more liquid phases mayfunction as a feed solution. The osmotic heat engine may generate usefulwork. For example, said osmotic heat engine may enable the heat sourceto generate power or additional power or other form of useful work,while, for example, also being cooled.

Summary (FIG. 17): FIG. 17 may show an embodiment for highly efficientcooling transfer using relatively low viscosity upper critical solutiontemperature (UCST) phase change liquid. The present embodiment maytransport liquid phases resulting from phase change, at least in part,as a multi-liquid phase mixture.

The present embodiment may transfer cooling with the latent heat of theone or more UCST phase transitions and/or the specific heat capacity ofone or more liquid phases. The present embodiment may enable, forexample, 1.1-6 times, or 2-15 times, or 1-50 times, or a combinationthereof, greater cooling transfer per unit of liquid compared to, forexample, a prior art specific heat driven cool transfer system.Furthermore, the temperature difference required between the ‘cold’coolant input and ‘hot’ coolant output may be reduced relative to aprior art specific heat capacity coolant due to, including, but notlimited to, the potentially 1-100 times greater cooling capacity at ornear the cloud point temperature of the coolant liquid system. This maysignificantly reduce the energy consumption required in cooling by, forexample, including, but not limited to, reducing the cooling or heatingtemperature difference required in a heat pump (heat pumps may havehigher coefficients of performance with smaller temperature differences)or enable the greater use of ambient cooling or heating sources, or acombination thereof.

At least a portion of the UCST liquid systems/compositions describedherein may be employed in heating and cooling transfer systems that maybe designed to use prior art specific heat coolants and may be employedas a direct coolant replacement of said prior art specific heatcoolants. One or more of the UCST compositions described herein andapplicable to FIG. 17 may be non-corrosive and/or ‘salt-free’ ifdesired. UCST compositions may comprise similar, same or lower viscositythan specific heat coolants. UCST compositions may comprise largelynon-toxic, non-volatile reagents, and may comprise in part or entirelylow cost, commodity derived, or commodity reagents.

In FIG. 17 and other embodiments described herein, evaporative coolingmay be employed. For example, one or more reagents in UCST or LCSTliquid systems may comprise water and, if desired, the other reagentsmay be non-volatile, and, if desired, at least partially resistant todegradation, oxidation, or corrosion, or a combination thereof. Acooling phase change (for example, the formation of two or more liquidphases from less liquid phases or one liquid phase or the formation ofless liquid phases or one liquid phase from two or more liquid phases)may occur during evaporative cooling or one or more phases may befurther cooled using evaporative cooling or a combination thereof.Evaporative cooling may involve, for example, the evaporation of watervapor into a gas stream, such as air, and/or, if desired, cooling one ormore liquid phases to at or near the ‘wet-bulb temperature’ of theliquid. Water or other reagents may be added as a makeup stream tomake-up for water or other losses during, for example, evaporativecooling. The latent heat of phase transition during one or more UCSTs orLCST may facilitate evaporation.

FIG. 17 and other embodiments may lack multi-liquid phase separationdevices if, including, but not limited, for example, one or more or acombination of the following: the liquids are transported a relativelyshort distance or temperature change or losses are minimal ornon-consequential or to reduce complexity or to increase compatibilitywith pre-existing infrastructure. For example, a lack of one or moremulti-liquid phase separation devices may enable the UCST or LCSTreagents to be ‘drop-in’, or employed within infrastructure which may bedesigned for prior art specific heat coolants or heat transfer fluids.Other embodiments herein are ‘drop-in’ or retrofittable schemes,reagents, or technologies.

FIG. 13 may be more desirable when transporting cooling long distancesor through significant temperature variation. For example, if thecooling reagents are transported through a relatively ‘hot’ region andthen enter a cooling region, in FIG. 13, the reagents may retain, atleast in part, their latent heat of phase transition as the two or moreliquid phases may be unable to dissolve in each other while passingthrough said example ‘hot’ region as they may, if desired, not be influid contact during at least a portion of the liquid transport.

Summary (FIG. 20): FIG. 20 may show an embodiment for transferring heatusing a solution with a UCST phase transition. FIG. 20 may transportphase change fluids as a multi-liquid phase mixture.

The present embodiment may transfer heat with the latent heat of the oneor more UCST phase changes and, if desired, the specific heat of one ormore liquid phases. The present embodiment may enable, for example,1.1-6 times, or 2-15 times, or 1-50 times, or a combination thereof,greater heating transfer per unit of liquid compared to, for example, aprior art specific heat driven heat transfer system. Furthermore, thetemperature difference required between the ‘hot’ heat transfer fluidinput and ‘cold’ heat transfer fluid output may be reduced relative to aprior art specific heat capacity heat transfer fluid due to, including,but not limited to, the potentially 1-100 times greater heat transfercapacity at or near the cloud point temperature of the heat transferfluid liquid system. This may significantly reduce the energyconsumption required in heating by, including, but not limited to,reducing the heating or cooling temperature difference required in aheat pump (heat pumps may have higher coefficients of performance withsmaller temperature differences) or may enable the greater use ofambient or waste cooling or heating sources, or a combination thereof.

Even as a single liquid mixture, UCST or LCST phase transition of one ormore liquid systems described herein may enable the transfer of heatingor cooling or lower grade heat or lower grade cooling over longerdistances or with lower cost or lower insulation piping or with greaterheat transfer capacity or with lower liquid volumes or a combinationthereof, enabling currently uneconomical or more expensive heat orcooling transport proposals to be economical or feasible or both. Themultiphase liquid mixture may function, for example, as a temperaturebuffer during heat or cooling transport due to, for example, the liquidsystem absorbing heating or cooling from the surroundings duringtransport due to, for example, the latent heat of one or more phasetransitions (for example: dissolution or clouding). For example, theliquid system may arrive at the system requiring heating or cooling at asimilar or near temperature or a closer temperature to the temperatureof the cooling or heating input source, which may be despite heat orcool losses to the surrounding environment or other heat or coolingexperienced during transport.

Inputs Outputs Example Inputs & Outputs (FIGS. 1 and 5) Cool Input orCool Sink Cooling Output to Application Requiring Cooling Electricity(fluid pumping, liquid-liquid separation devices, or combinationsthereof) Example Inputs & Outputs (FIGS. 4 and 8) Heat Input Heat Outputto Application Requiring Heating Electricity (fluid pumping,liquid-liquid separation devices, or combinations thereof)

Step-by-Step Description (FIG. 13):

-   -   1) Cooling ‘Absorption’ from Cold Source or Heat ‘Discharge’        into Heat Sink enhanced by or employing UCST Phase Change into        two or more Liquid Phases: Relatively warm combined solution        (L-1) (which may comprise a single liquid phase) may be cooled        in one or more Heat Sink Heat Exchangers, where it may be cooled        through heat exchange with one or more cool sources or        applications requiring heating or undergoes evaporative cooling        or a combination thereof (HE-1). During cooling, the single        liquid phase may be cooled at or below one or more cloud point        temperatures, which may result in the formation of two or more        liquid phases in a mixture (LL-1).    -   2) Two-Liquid Phase Liquid-Liquid Separation and Separate        Transport: LL-1 may be at least in part separated using one or        more multi-liquid phase separation devices (LLS-1), which may        result in two or more separate liquid streams, each which may        comprise a separate liquid phase (L-2 and L-3). Said separate        liquid streams (L-2 and L-3) may be transported separately to        one or more applications requiring cooling wherein, for example,        there may be little or no fluid contact between the two liquid        phases (for example: separate pipes or liquid channels) or said        liquid streams may be transported in isolation, or a combination        thereof.    -   3) Combining or Mixing Separate Liquid Phases into a Combined        Mixture: Said separate liquid streams (L-2 and L-3) may be        combined or mixed either before the one or more applications        requiring cooling heat exchangers or within or during one or        more of the applications requiring cooling heat exchangers. Said        liquids may be combined or mixed using a liquid stream merging        valve, a static mixer, a continuous mixer or other liquid        combining or mixing devices known in the art or a combination        thereof. Upon mixing, depending on, for example, the temperature        of the separate or independent liquids (L-2 and L-3), said        streams may dissolve and said dissolution may be endothermic.        Said dissolution may result in, for example, including, but not        limited to, a combined single-phase liquid stream comprising one        or more of the originally separate liquid phases (L-4), separate        liquid phases in a combined multi-liquid phase mixture (LL-2),        or a combination thereof. If a portion or all the separate        liquid phases dissolve in each other upon mixing without        significant external heat input, the temperature of the combined        liquid phases may be lower than the temperature of the separate        liquid phases before combining or mixing.    -   4) Cooling ‘Release’ or Heat ‘Absorption’ which may employ        dissolution of liquid phases: L-4 or LL-2 or a combination        thereof may be transferred to one or more ‘cooling application        heat exchangers’ wherein said one or more streams may be heat        exchanged (HE-2) with the one or more applications requiring        cooling and may undergo further dissolution phase transition.        The resulting liquid stream may comprise at least a portion of        the two or more liquid phases dissolved in each other or a        single combined solution (L-1).

Step-by-Step Description (FIG. 16):

-   -   1) Heat ‘Discharge’ into Application Requiring Heating enhanced        by or employing UCST Phase Change into two or more Liquid        Phases: Relatively warm combined single liquid phase solution        (L-1) may be heat exchanged (HE-1) with one or more applications        requiring heating. During the release of heat into the one or        more heating application heat exchangers, the single liquid        phase may be cooled at or below one or more UCST cloud point        temperatures, resulting in the formation of two or more liquid        phases in a mixture (LL-1).    -   2) Two-Liquid Phase Liquid-Liquid Separation and Separate        Transport: LL-1 may be separated using one or more liquid-liquid        separation devices (LLS-1), which may result in two or more at        least partially separate liquid streams, each which may comprise        a at least partially separated liquid phase (L-2 and L-3). Said        separate liquid streams (L-2 and L-3) may be transported        separately to one or more heat input sources, wherein, for        example, there may be little or no fluid contact between the two        or more liquid phases during at least a portion of transport        (for example: separate pipes or liquid channels) or the liquid        phases may be transported in isolation, or a combination        thereof.    -   3) Combining or Mixing Separate Liquid Phases into a Combined        Mixture: L-2 and L-3 may be combined or mixed either before the        one or more heat input sources or heat input source heat        exchangers or within or during one or more of the heat input        heat exchangers. The liquids may be combined or mixed using a        liquid stream merging valve, a static mixer, a continuous mixer        or other liquid combining or mixing devices known in the art or        a combination thereof. Upon mixing, depending on, for example,        the temperature of the separate or independent liquids (L-2 and        L-3), none, a portion, or all of the liquid phases may dissolve        in each other. The resulting liquid stream may be, for example,        including, but not limited to, a combined single-phase liquid        stream comprising one or more of the originally separate liquid        phases (L-4), separate liquid phases in a combined mixture        (LL-2), or a combination thereof. If a portion or all the        separate liquid phases dissolve in each other upon mixing        without significant external heat input, the temperature of the        combined liquid phases may be lower than the temperature of the        separate liquid phases before combining or mixing.    -   4) Cooling ‘Release’ or Heat ‘Absorption’ enhanced by or        employing dissolution of liquid phases: L-4 or LL-2 or a        combination thereof may be transferred to one or more ‘heat        input heat exchangers’ wherein L-4 or LL-2 may be heat exchanged        (HE-2) with the one or more heat sources or applications        requiring cooling. The resulting liquid stream may comprise at        least a portion of the two or more liquid phases dissolved in        each other or a single combined dissolved solution comprising        the two or more formerly separate liquid streams (L-1) or a        combination thereof.

Step-by-Step Description (FIG. 17):

-   -   1) Cooling ‘Absorption’ from Cold Source or Heat ‘Discharge’        into Heat Sink employing UCST Phase Change into two or more        Liquid Phases: Relatively warm combined solution (L-1) (which        may comprise a single liquid phase) may be cooled in one or more        Heat Sink Heat Exchangers, where L-1 may be cooled through heat        exchange with a cool source or L-1 undergoes evaporative cooling        or a combination thereof (HE-1). L-1 may be cooled at or below        one or more cloud point temperatures, which may result in the        phase transition into a multi-liquid phase mixture (LL-1).    -   2) Cooling ‘Release’ or Heat ‘Absorption’ employing dissolution        of liquid phases at or above, for example, UCST: LL-1 or a        combined single phase liquid solution or a combination thereof        may be transferred to one or more ‘cooling application heat        exchangers’ wherein said fluid stream may be heat exchanged        (HE-2) with the one or more applications requiring cooling. The        resulting liquid stream may comprise at least a portion of the        two or more liquid phases dissolved in each other or a single        combined solution which may comprise the two or more formerly        separate liquid streams (L-1), or a combination thereof.

Step-by-Step Description (FIG. 20):

-   -   1) Heat ‘Discharge’ into Application Requiring Heating employing        UCST Phase Change into two or more Liquid Phases: Relatively        warm combined solution (L-1) (which may comprise a single liquid        phase) may be heat exchanged (HE-1) with one or more        applications requiring heating. For example, during the release        of heat into the one or more heating application heat        exchangers, L-1 may be cooled at or below one or more UCST cloud        point temperatures, which may result in the phase transition        into two or more liquid phases (LL-1).    -   2) Cooling ‘Release’ or Heat ‘Absorption’ employing dissolution        of liquid phases: LL-1 or a combination thereof may be        transferred to one or more ‘heat input heat exchangers’ wherein        said fluid stream may be heat exchanged (HE-2) with the one or        more heat sources or applications requiring cooling. The        resulting liquid stream may comprise at least a portion of the        two or more liquid phases dissolved in each other or a single        combined dissolved solution (L-1), or a combination thereof.

Example Application 1: Ocean or Thermocline Water Body Cooling System

Background: In prior art, methods for recovering cool from thethermocline of the ocean or other deep-water body employ a specific heatcoolant or pump water (which may also be a specific heat coolant)directly from the depths of the water body to the surface. The greatestproblems hindering the adoption of prior art technologies are:

-   -   1) The losses of ‘cool’ due to the transferring ‘cool’ from the        ‘deep depths’ to the surface through relatively warm water over        relatively long distances.    -   2) The requirement of pumping large volumes of liquid to provide        sufficient ‘cool’ transfer (low heat transfer capacity)    -   3) The high CAPEX and OPEX involved with the infrastructure,        including, for example, insulated pipes, to, for example, reduce        the effects of challenge #1 and the large diameter pipes, large        pumps, significant electricity consumption, antiformants, or a        combination thereof which may be required to overcome, at least        in part, the limitations of challenge #2.

Because of the above challenges, cooling transfer from deep water bodiesis generally limited to regions where deep water is close to the shore(for example: in Hawaii) or regions where cold water is at shallowerdepths, or where cold water is close to shore. This leaves a significantuntapped potential for utilizing water body thermoclines as means of acooling source to reduce energy consumption related to cooling orincrease the efficiency of heat engines or create heat engines orcombinations thereof. Additionally, there is significant opportunity toincrease the efficiency or improve performance or reduce operating costor reduce capital cost of pre-existing systems for cool transfer fromcool water bodies or other cool sources.

Summary (FIG. 21A): FIG. 21A may show systems and methods foreffectively transferring or utilizing ‘cool’ temperatures from a waterbody or the depths of a thermocline liquid or water body using, forexample, UCST cooling cloud point liquid phase transition (which maycomprise a low viscosity liquid system composition working fluid)followed by, for example, multi-liquid phase separation. Systems,methods, and reagents described herein may be capable of transferringcooling or at least a portion of the cooling available from depths of awater body or thermocline independent of or with a lesser impact fromscooling temperature losses to the surrounding water. This unprecedentedcapability may be enabled by the low viscosity, low cost, cloud-pointtemperature tunable UCST reagents disclosed herein.

Additionally, systems, methods, and reagents described herein may reduceor eliminate the need for insulated piping during the cool transport.Due to the potentially greater heat transport capacity because of, forexample, including, but not limited to, the latent heat of UCST or LCSTphase transition, required liquid volumes per a unit of coolingtransferred may be significantly less compared to prior art specificheat based coolants or direct water pumping. The reagents describedherein may be non-toxic and nearly or entirely benign to the environmentin the case of, for example, a leak.

Relatively ‘warm’ combined single liquid phase solution ‘working fluid’(L-1) may be transferred in, for example, one or more pipes, beneath thesurface of a water body and transferred to at least the depth of thewater body where the surrounding water temperature is at or below theone or more UCSTs of the liquid system. The one or more pipes may, inpart, be ‘non-insulated’ or thermally conductive to enable heat transferto the surrounding water body. The one or more UCST phase transitionsmay occur, for example, at least in part, which may occur during thetransport of the liquid system working fluid to the desired depth, whichmay reduce or prevent the need for additional heat exchanger apparatusor apparatuses in the relatively ‘cold’ region of the water body. Saidone or more UCST phase transitions may involve the formation of amulti-liquid phase mixture (LL-1), which may be separated, if desiredand/or at least in part, into its constituent liquid phases using, forexample, one or more liquid-liquid separation devices (LLS-1). Each atleast partially separated liquid phase may comprise a separate liquidstream (L-2 and L-3).

With the liquid-liquid separation device being located, for example, atthe depths of a liquid or water body, it may be desirable for the liquidseparation method to be highly reliable and require minimal, if any,maintenance. It may be desirable for moving and/or electronic parts, forexample, pumps, to be located near, at, or above the surface of theliquid body. The liquid-liquid separation device may comprise,including, but not limited to, one or more or a combination of thefollowing: decanter, coalescer, filter, centrifuge, cyclone, orcombination thereof. It may be desirable for the multi-liquid phaseseparation device to contain moving parts, including, but not limitedto, hydraulic, electric, non-electric, or passive moving parts. It maybe desirable for the multi-liquid separation device or devices torequire little maintenance and/or require minimal moving mechanicalparts as, for example, said device or devices may be located beneath thesurface of the water or liquid body. The materials of construction maydesirably be corrosion resistant or corrosion free. For example, thepiping and, if desired, the liquid-liquid separation device, may be madeof a polymer or composite, for example, including, but not limited to,one or more or a combination of the following: high densitypolyethylene, mid-density polyethylene, low density polyethylene,polypropylene, PVC, fluorocarbon plastics, silicone plastics, stainlesssteel, corrosion resistant aluminum, corrosion resistant alloys,composites, or ceramics.

L-2 and L-3 may be transported in separate channels or separate pipes,for example, during at least a portion or all of fluid transport. Theseparate working fluid streams may heat up over the course of transportto the surface of the water body due to, for example, the thermocline ofthe water body. Because the working fluids are separate, they may notdissolve in each other during transport as they may be separate liquidstreams.

When the two or more separate liquid system working fluids approach orreach the one or more applications requiring cooling or one or moreapplications requiring cooling heat exchangers (HE-2), the two or moreseparate liquid system working fluids (L-2 and L-3) may be combined ormixed and may be heat exchanged with the application or applicationsrequiring cooling or a cooling enthalpy source. The dissolution of thecombined liquid phases may result in the absorption of heat or atemperature reduction or both due to the endothermic dissolution at orabove the UCST temperature or temperatures of the working fluids.

Summary (FIG. 21B): FIG. 21, including FIG. 21B, may show systems andmethods for more effectively transporting cool temperatures from thedepths of a thermocline water body using low viscosity UCST reagents.The present embodiment may enable, including but not limited to, one ormore or a combination of the following: a significant increase thecooling transport capacity per a unit mass of heat transfer workingfluid, or the heat transfer working fluid to reach the surface at atemperature closer to or equivalent to the ‘cool source’ temperaturedespite, for example, ‘cool’ losses to the surrounding environment orwater or liquid body during, for example, transport.

The present embodiment may involve transporting a ‘warm’ liquid streamto a depth below the surface where it may be cooled by the surroundingrelatively cooler temperatures and may be transported to the surface totransfer, for example, said cooler temperatures to an applicationrequiring cooling. The technology may form a two or more liquid phasesolution in a UCST phase transition from a single liquid phase solutiondue to, for example, cooling beneath the surface of the water body at orbelow the UCST temperature and heat exchanging the latent heat releasedfrom the phase transition into the surrounding water body, which mayresult in a multi-liquid phase mixture. Said multi-liquid phase mixturemay be transported to the surface as a combined mixture. As the liquidstream is transported to the surface, the temperature of the surroundingwater, for example, may increase due to the thermocline of the waterbody. The temperature of the surrounding water body may increase toabove the temperature of the liquid system UCST of the multi-liquidphase mixture. Heat may penetrate the pipe transporting the two or moreliquid phases. Unlike working fluids reliant solely on specific heat,the two or more liquid phases may absorb at least a portion of this heatpenetration due to, for example, endothermic dissolution, which mayenable the working fluid to remain at the ‘cool’ temperature or at thesame or similar or close temperature despite heat input. Heat input orcooling losses to the surroundings may be buffered at or near thetemperature of the one or more UCSTs of the liquid system until, forexample, the liquid system has exchanged with enough heat input to fullyexpend the latent heat of endothermic dissolution.

When liquids are transported at significant depths or significantlydifferent altitudes, the density of the fluid relative to thesurrounding fluids may have influence on the pressure of the fluidrelative to its surroundings. To minimize capital costs, the pressure ofthe fluid may desirably be similar to the pressure of its surroundings,as significant pressure differences may require infrastructure that isresilient to said pressure differences. The pressure difference may beminimized by employing working fluids with similar densities to thedensity of, for example, the surrounding seawater or water body orliquid body. Fortunately, many of the low viscosity UCST and LCST liquidsystems described herein may possess densities that are the same,similar, or relatively close to the density of seawater or freshwater.For liquid bodies in general, the compositions of UCST or LCST liquidsystems may be tailored, if desired to create closer density workingfluids to, for example, minimize pressure differences at, for example,deep depths.

Summary (FIG. 21C): FIG. 21, such as FIGS. 21B and 21C, may show systemsand methods for transporting cool temperatures from the depths of athermocline water body using LCST or UCST reagents. The presentembodiment may enable, including but not limited to, one or more or acombination of the following: a significant increase the coolingtransport capacity per a unit mass of liquid system working fluid or forthe liquid system to reach the surface at a temperature closer to orequivalent to the ‘cool source’ temperature despite, for example, ‘cool’losses to the surrounding environment.

The present embodiment may involve transporting a ‘warm’ multi-liquidphase stream to a depth below the surface of a liquid body where saidstream may be cooled by the surrounding relatively cooler temperaturesbelow one or more LCSTs, which may result in an exothermic dissolutionphase transition, which may form a single liquid phase combinedsolution. Said single liquid phase combined solution stream may betransported to the surface to, for example, absorb heat from one or moreapplications requiring cooling. As the liquid stream is transported tothe surface, the temperature of the surrounding water, for example, mayincrease due to the thermocline of the water body. The temperature ofthe surrounding water body may increase to above the temperature of LCSTof the combined single liquid phase solution. Heat may penetrate thepipe transporting the LCST working fluid. Unlike working fluids reliantsolely on specific heat, the LCST working fluid may absorb at least aportion of this heat input through endothermic phase transition into amulti-liquid phase mixture, which may enable the working fluid to remainat the ‘cool’ temperature or at the same or similar or close temperaturedespite, for example, heat intrusion. Heat input or cooling losses tothe surroundings may be buffered at or near the temperature of the oneor more LCST of the working fluid until the working fluid has exchangedwith sufficient heat input to fully expend the endothermic phase change.If the working fluid phase change is fully expended (for example: all ormost of the components of the solution have undergone completeendothermic phase change) upon reaching the surface, the working fluidmay function as a specific heat working fluid during heat exchange withthe cooling application. The endothermic LCST or UCST phase change mayenable the working fluid, even if employed as a specific heat workingfluid upon reaching the surface, to be a lower temperature specific heatworking fluid compared to an embodiment employing a working fluid thatfunctions solely as a specific heat working fluid.

Example Inputs & Outputs (FIGS. 9A-9C) Inputs Outputs Cool Input or CoolSink Cooling Output to Application Requiring Cooling Electricity (fluidpumping, liquid-liquid separation devices, or combinations thereof)

Driving Forces:

-   -   Latent Heat of UCST Phase Change Retained through Transporting        Liquid Phases as two or more separate liquid streams. The        working fluid may be transported ‘infinite’ or exponentially        longer distances while transporting cold. If the two or more        liquid phases reach a temperature above their UCST temperature        during transport, they may not dissolve in each other as        separate liquid streams. This may enable at least a portion of        the latent heat of the UCST phase change to be retained        independent of the temperature or heat input or heat losses        experienced by the one or more UCST working fluid phases during        transport.    -   Latent Heat of UCST or LCST phase change may function as a        temperature buffer if, for example, the complete UCST or LCST        reagent mixture is transported in fluid contact together. For        example, the reagents may absorb heat intrusion through        endothermic phase change, for example, at or near their LCST or        UCST temperatures, which may reduce or eliminate temperature        rise relative to a specific heat-only reagent.    -   Systems and methods may be setup as a retrofit or working fluid        replacement technology, in, for example, FIGS. 9B and 9C. The        embodiment may not or may require, for example, minimal, if any,        infrastructure changes relative to a pre-existing heat exchange        loop with a specific heat working fluid.    -   Low insulation or no insulation pipes may be required in some        embodiments, which may reduce CAPEX    -   Reagents may have greater or significantly greater cooling        storage capacity relative to specific heat-only working fluids        -   May enable significantly less liquid volume flow rates for            the same amount of cooling capacity        -   May enable lower CAPEX, including, but not limited to, for            example smaller diameter piping, lower cost materials, or            combination thereof

Example Application 2: District Cooling

District cooling or heating may involve providing cooling or heating tomultiple applications requiring cooling or heating from one or morecentralized cooling or heating sources.

Background or Problem in Prior Art: For example, the greatestlimitations of district cooling or heating or combination thereofnetworks may involve 1) heat or cooling losses during transport ofheating or cooling and 2) the large volumes of fluid required to becirculated per unit of heating or cooling transfer. Due to, at least inpart, ‘1); the temperature of the heating or cooling working fluidexiting their associated heating and cooling sources must besignificantly greater than (in the case of district heating) orsignificantly less than (in the case of district cooling) thetemperature of the heating or cooling working fluid, respectively, uponsupplying heating or cooling to the associated application orapplications requiring heating or cooling. The required higher or lowertemperature of the exiting heat transfer working fluid to overcometransport losses may necessitate the use of higher grade, more costlyheating or cooling sources. These losses increase directly with therequired working fluid transport distance, thus longer distancetransport of heating and cooling becomes uneconomical for presentdistrict heating or cooling networks. Additionally, the ability ofdistrict heating and cooling networks to employ low grade sources ofheating and cooling, including, but not limited to, power plantcondenser water waste heat, cold water bodies, cold temperatures athigher elevations, or cooling available from the gasification of LNG, ora combination thereof, is limited to applications in close proximity tothe heating or cooling sources.

Example Solution: The compositions, systems & methods described hereinmay enable heating and cooling transfer in district heating networkswith significantly lower CAPEX and/or OPEX, while also enabling,including, but not limited to, transport of heating or coolingindependent of the temperature of the heating or cooling transferworking fluids during transport, which may enable longer distancedistrict heat or cooling transport.

Example New Opportunities for District Cooling or Heating which may beEnabled by Embodiments Described Herein:

-   -   District heating from abundant low-grade waste heat, from, for        example, power generation and industry, at greater distances        from the source    -   District cooling from relatively ‘cool’ water bodies liquid,        solid, light, mass or a combination thereof bodies    -   District heating from relatively ‘warm’ liquid, solid, light,        mass or a combination thereof bodies    -   District cooling from cooling regions, at, for example, higher        altitudes    -   Cooling or heating storage flow batteries. Liquid phases are        stored in separate tanks. Liquid phases may be mixed to        generated heating or cooling, for example, at or near the        cooling or heating application.

Example Opportunities to Significantly Improve Pre-Existing or FutureDistrict Cooling or Heating Network using Embodiments Described Herein:

-   -   Make district cooling more efficient    -   Less working fluid pumping per unit of cool transferred    -   Lower temperature difference required between the ‘Cool Source’        and the ‘Hot’ output temperature of the cooling working fluid,        enabling more energy efficient cooling if, for example, a heat        pump is employed    -   Compatible with systems employing evaporative cooling    -   Expansion of district cooling or heating network may be more        feasible

Example Opportunities to Significantly Improve Pre-Existing DistrictHeating Networks using Embodiments Described Herein:

-   -   Makes district cooling more efficient    -   Less working fluid pumping per unit of cool transferred    -   Lower temperature difference required between the ‘Cool Source’        and the ‘Hot’ output temperature of the cooling working fluid,        enabling more energy efficient cooling if, for example, a heat        pump is employed    -   Enable embodiment to be in part or entirely powered by low        temperature waste heat sources    -   Compatible with systems employing evaporative cooling

Example Application 3: Datacenter Cooling or Heating or Both ExampleApplication 4: Power Plant Condenser Cooling Example Benefits

-   -   UCST or LCST phase change liquid may be employed as a        replacement for water as a heat transfer fluid, for example,        which may include, but is not limited to, in recirculating        cooling ponds or evaporative cooling systems.    -   Lower liquid volume or liquid mass per a unit of heat transfer        or cooling capacity    -   The UCST or LCST phase change liquid may be employed in        evaporative cooling if, for example, water is a constituent        reagent. Further treatment of aerosols or other vapors formed        may be required depending on the composition and vapor pressure        of the other constituent reagents.    -   Cooling sources may be located at greater distances from the        power plant or system requiring cooling    -   Cooling may be stored when there is excess availability (for        example, during cool night temperatures or when the power plant        is not in operation) and utilized later when it is needed or        relatively ‘cooler’ temperatures are unavailable. For example,        cooling may be stored as two or more separate liquid phases from        a liquid system resulting from a UCST phase change, where each        separate liquid phase may be stored separately. Upon use, the        two or more separate liquid phases may be mixed, resulting in        cooling if, for example, above the cloud point temperature.

Example Application 5: Drop-In Coolant or Heat Transfer Liquid

There may be multiple applications for coolants and heat transferliquids. The LCST or UCST reagents described herein may be employed asreplacements for coolants or heat transfer liquids that may be presentlyemployed or may be employed in one or more cooling or heat transferapplications known in the art. For example, in electronics cooling orhigh power electronics cooling, specific heat-based heat transferliquids, such as water or aqueous solutions, are common heat transferfluids. One or more low viscosity LCST or UCST reagent compositionsintroduced herein may be employed to directly replace these specificheat coolants to, for example, enable, including, but not limited to,lower pumping energy requirements or greater heat transfer capacity orgreater energy efficiency or combination thereof. Similarly, said one ormore low viscosity LCST or UCST reagent compositions may be employed as,for example, including, but not limited to, compressor coolants, food &beverage coolants, automotive coolants, radiative heating heat transferliquids, battery coolant, vehicle coolant, engine coolant, deicingsurface heat transfer liquids, cooling surface coolants, or combinationthereof.

Cool or Heat Absorption or Transfer Using Relatively Low Viscosity LCSTReagents

Summary (FIG. 14): FIG. 14 may show an embodiment for transferring heatfrom a heat source to one or more applications requiring heating usingone or more LCST phase changes and/or liquid phase separations.

The present embodiment may comprise a heat transfer system functioningas a cool transferring system, for example, which may be due to,including, but not limited to, due to a change in system conditions, dueto a change in economics, due to a change in system surroundings, due toa change in weather conditions, due to economic reasons, or for otherreasons, or for a combination thereof.

Alternatively, the present embodiment may be employed where one or moreof the liquid phases have a useful application at or near the coolsource or heat sink/cold sink. For example, the scheme may be employedwhere cooling is also desired. For example, the scheme may be employedas a means of also providing ‘heat’ storage for the an applicationrequiring heating (for example, including, but not limited to, adistrict heating or deicing system), wherein, for example, the two ormore liquid phases may be stored in separate storage vessels and may bemixed in the future to provide cooling or useful work when needed.

For example, the scheme may be employed to as the basis of an osmoticheat engine or energy storage device, wherein, for example, the two ormore liquid phases may be mixed in the presence of a semipermeablemembrane or pressure retarded osmosis system, and wherein, for example,one or more phases function as a draw solution and one or more liquidphases function as a feed solution. The osmotic heat engine may generateuseful work. For example, said osmotic heat engine may enable the coldinput source to generate power or additional power or other form ofuseful work, while, for example, also being heated or being a heat sink.

Summary (FIG. 15): FIG. 15 may show an embodiment for highly efficientheat transfer using, for example, relatively low viscosity lowercritical solution temperature (LCST) phase change liquid solution, whichmay employ multi-liquid phase mixture separation.

The first step of FIG. 15 may involve heating a, for example, singleliquid phase solution (L-1) at or above one or more LCSTs, which mayresult in an endothermic LCST phase transition into a multi-liquid phasemixture (LL-1). The liquid system may ‘absorb’ or transfer heat throughthe latent heat of the one or more LCST phase transition and, ifdesired, the specific heat of one or more liquid phases.

LCST or UCST phase transitions may increase the heating or heat transfercapacity of a unit mass of solvent relative to, for example, prior artspecific heat-only driven heat transfer fluids, while also potentiallyreducing CAPEX and without or with minimal, for example, additionalsafety risks. Said significant increase in heating or cooling capacitymay be achieved, for example, with no additional complexity to aconventional cooling schematic (drop-in technology). Multi-liquid phaseseparation and separate liquid transport (described further in the nextparagraph) may enable heating transfer over longer distances or usinglower cost less insulated pipe or using lower cost non-insulated pipe orwith smaller liquid volumes while achieving similar heating or coolingcapacity or combination thereof. The liquid-liquid phase change may alsoreduce the required temperature difference between the ‘hot’ input heattransfer fluid and the ‘cold’ output heat transfer fluid, as heat may betransferred with a significantly smaller temperature swing due to, forexample, the existence of a latent heat of the phase change, ratherthan, for example, entirely relying on heat transfer fluid specific heattemperature change to transport heat.

The two or more-liquid phase solution (LL-1) may be separated using oneor more liquid-liquid separation devices (LLS-1) into two or moreseparate liquid streams (L-2 and L-3), each which may comprise, at leastin part, one of the liquid phases in LL-1. Said separate liquid streamsmay be transported ‘separately’ to, for example, prevent contact betweenthe liquid phases during transport. If the temperature of one or more ofthe liquid streams drops to at or above the cloud point temperature ofliquid system during transport, the separate liquid phases may notdissolve in each other as they may separate during, for example,transport, and there may be no or minimal liquid contact between the twoseparate liquid streams during transport. Regardless of the temperatureof the two separate liquid streams upon arrival at the ‘applicationrequiring heating,’ the two separate liquid streams may release heat andprovide heating upon combining the separate liquid streams at or belowthe combined liquid's LCST. As a result, the separated liquid phases maybe transported ‘infinite’ distances or longer distances and may supplyat least a portion of heat from latent heat of phase transition to, forexample, the one or more applications requiring heating. The embodimentmay mix the two or more liquid phases before entering the one or moreheating application heat exchangers or the one or more heatingapplication heat exchangers may independently function as apparatusesfor combining or mixing the liquid phases or a combination thereof.

Summary (FIG. 18): FIG. 20 may show an embodiment for transferringcooling using a solution with a LCST phase change while maintaining asingle liquid solution.

The present embodiment may transfer cooling with the latent heat of theone or more LCST phase changes and, if desired, the specific heat of oneor more liquid phases. The temperature difference required between the‘cold’ coolant input and ‘hot’ coolant output may be significantlyreduced relative to a specific heat ‘coolant’ due to, including, but notlimited to, the cooling capacity at or near the cloud point temperaturebeing equivalent to 1-100 times more than the equivalent specific heatcoolant. This may significantly reduce the energy consumption requiredin cooling by, including, but not limited to, reducing the heating orcooling temperature difference required in a heat pump (heat pumps mayhave higher coefficients of performance with smaller temperaturedifferences) or enable the greater use of ambient or waste cooling orheating sources, or a combination thereof.

Even as a single liquid mixture, the UCST or LCST phase change mayenable the transfer of heating or cooling or lower grade heat or lowergrade cooling over longer distances or with lower cost or lowerinsulation piping or a combination thereof, enabling currentlyuneconomical or more expensive heat or cooling transport proposals to beeconomical or feasible or both and enabling pre-existing systems to bemore economical. The multiphase liquid mixture may function, forexample, as a temperature buffer during heat or cooling transport dueto, for example, the liquid phases absorbing heating or cooling from thesurroundings during transport through phase change (for example:dissolution or clouding). For example, the solution may arrive at thesystem requiring heating or cooling at a similar or near temperature ora closer temperature to the temperature of the cooling or heating inputsource, despite heat or cool losses to the surrounding environment orother heat or cooling experienced during transport.

Summary (FIG. 19): FIG. 19 may show an embodiment for highly efficientcooling transfer using, for example, relatively low viscosity lowercritical solution temperature (LCST) liquid system.

FIG. 15 may be more desirable when transporting heat long distances orthrough significant temperature variation. For example, if the heattransfer reagents are transported through a relatively ‘cold’ region andthen enter a relatively hot region, in FIG. 13, the reagents will retaintheir latent heat of cooling as the two or more liquid phases will beunable to dissolve in each other while passing through said relatively‘cold’ region as they may not be in fluid contact during at least aportion or all of the liquid transport.

Inputs Outputs Example Inputs & Outputs (FIGS. 2 and 6) Cool Input orCool Sink Cooling Output to Application Requiring Cooling Electricity(fluid pumping, liquid-liquid separation devices, or combinationsthereof) Example Inputs & Outputs (FIGS. 3 and 7) Heat Input Heat Outputto Application Requiring Heating Electricity (fluid pumping,liquid-liquid separation devices, or combinations thereof)

Step-by-Step Description (FIG. 14):

-   -   1) Heat ‘Absorption’ or Supplying Cooling to Application        Requiring Cooling enhanced by or employing LCST Phase Change        into two or more Liquid Phases: Relatively cool combined        solution (L-1) (which may comprise a single liquid phase) may be        heat exchanged (HE-1) with one or more applications requiring        cooling. During the absorption of heat from the one or more        cooling application heat exchangers, L-1 may be heated at or        above one or more LCSTs, which may result in the endothermic        phase change forming a multi-liquid phase mixture (LL-1).    -   2) Two-Liquid Phase Liquid-Liquid Separation and Separate        Transport: LL-1 may be separated using one or more multi-liquid        phase separation devices (LLS-1), which may result in two or        more separate at least partially separated liquid streams, each        which may comprise a separate liquid phase (L-2 and L-3). Said        separate liquid streams (L-2 and L-3) may be transported        separately to the heat sink, wherein, for example, there may be        little or no fluid contact between the two liquid streams during        at least a portion of transport (for example: separate pipes or        liquid channels) or the liquid phases are transported in        isolation, or a combination thereof.    -   3) Combining or Mixing Separate Liquid Phases into a Combined        Mixture: The separate liquid streams (L-2 and L-3) may be        combined or mixed either before the one or more heat sinks or        cooling input heat exchangers or within or during one or more of        the cool input heat exchangers or a combination thereof. L-2 and        L-3 may be combined or mixed using a stream merging valve, a        static mixer, a continuous mixer or other liquid combining or        mixing devices known in the art or a combination thereof. Upon        mixing, depending on, for example, the temperature of the        separate or independent liquids (L-2 and L-3), none, a portion,        or all of the liquid phases may dissolve in each other. The        resulting liquid stream may be, for example, including, but not        limited to, a combined single-phase liquid stream comprising one        or more of the originally separate liquid phases (L-4), separate        liquid phases in a combined mixture (LL-2), or a combination        thereof. If a portion or all the separate liquid phases dissolve        in each other upon mixing without significant external heat        removal or heat losses or cool input, the temperature of the        combined liquid phases may be higher than the temperature of the        separate liquid phases.    -   4) Heat Release or Heat Generation or Heat Transfer or Heat Sink        or Cooling Input Transfer enhanced by or employing dissolution        of liquid phases: L-4 or LL-2 or a combination thereof may be        transferred to one or more heat sink, or cool sink, or cool        input heat exchangers or evaporative coolers or in-situ        evaporative cooling or combination thereof wherein L-4 or LL-2        may be heat exchanged (HE-2) with one or more cool sources or        applications requiring heating and may undergo an exothermic        phase transition. The resulting liquid stream may comprise at        least a portion of the two or more liquid phases dissolved in        each other or a single combined dissolved solution comprising        the two or more formerly separate liquid streams (L-1).

Step-by-Step Description (FIG. 15):

-   -   1) Heating ‘Absorption’ from Heat Source or Cool ‘Discharge’        into Application Requiring Cooling enhanced by or employing UCST        Phase Change into two or more Liquid Phases: Relatively cool        combined solution (L-1) (which may comprise a single liquid        phase) may be heated in one or more Heat Source Heat Exchangers,        where it may be heated through heat exchange with a heat source        (HE-1). L-1 may be heated at or above one or more cloud point        temperatures which may result in the formation of a multi-liquid        phase mixture (LL-1).    -   2) Multi-Liquid Phase Mixture Separation and Separate Transport:        LL-1 may be separated using one or more multi-liquid phase        separation devices (LLS-1), which may result in two or more at        least partially separate liquid streams, each which may        comprise, at least in part, a separate liquid phase (L-2 and        L-3). Said separate liquid streams (L-2 and L-3) may be        transported separately to one or more heating applications        wherein, for example, there is little or no fluid contact        between the two liquid phases (for example: separate pipes or        liquid channels) or the liquid phases are transported in        isolation, or a combination thereof.    -   3) Combining or Mixing Separate Liquid Phases into a Combined        Mixture: The separate liquid streams (L-2 and L-3) may be        combined or mixed either before the one or more application        requiring heating heat exchangers or within or during one or        more of the heating application heat exchangers or a combination        thereof. The liquids may be combined or mixed using a liquid        stream merging valve, a static mixer, a continuous mixer or        other liquid combining or mixing devices known in the art or a        combination thereof. Upon mixing, depending on, for example, the        temperature of the separate or independent liquids (L-2 and        L-3), none, a portion, or all the liquid phases may dissolve.        The resulting liquid stream may be, for example, including, but        not limited to, a combined single-phase liquid stream comprising        one or more of the originally separate liquid phases (L-4),        separate liquid phases in a combined mixture (LL-2), or a        combination thereof. If a portion or all the separate liquid        phases dissolve in each other upon mixing without significant        external heat sink or heat losses or cooling input, the        temperature of the combined liquid phases may be higher than the        temperature of the separate liquid phases before combining or        mixing.    -   4) Heat Release or Heat Generation or Heat Transfer enhanced by        or employing dissolution of liquid phases: L-4 or LL-2 or a        combination thereof may be transferred to one or more ‘heating        application heat exchangers’ wherein L-4 or LL-2 may be heat        exchanged (HE-2) with the one or more applications requiring        heating and may undergo exothermic phase transition. The        resulting liquid stream may comprise at least a portion of the        two or more liquid phases dissolved in each other or a single        combined solution comprising the two or more formerly separate        liquid streams (L-1) or a combination thereof

Step-by-Step Description (FIG. 18):

-   -   1) Heat Absorption or Cooling Transfer from Application        Requiring Cooling enhanced by or employing LCST Phase Change        into two or more Liquid Phases: Relatively cool combined        solution (L-1) (which may comprise a single liquid phase) may be        heat exchanged (HE-1) with one or more applications requiring        cooling. During the absorption of heat into the one or more        cooling application heat exchangers, the single liquid phase may        be heated at or above one or more LCST cloud point temperatures,        which may result in one or more endothermic phase transitions        into a multi-liquid phase mixture (LL-1).    -   2) Heat Discharge or Heat Transfer enhanced by or employing        dissolution of liquid phases: LL-1 may be transferred to one or        more ‘cool input heat exchangers’ wherein said fluid stream may        be heat exchanged (HE-2) with one or more cool sources or        applications requiring heating, wherein LL-1 may undergo one or        more exothermic dissolution phase transitions. The resulting        liquid stream (L-1) may comprise at least a portion of the        multi-liquid phase mixture dissolved in each other or a single        combined dissolved solution comprising the two or more formerly        separate liquid streams, or a combination thereof. Cooling may        also include or comprise evaporative cooling. For example, the        one or more liquid streams may contain water and a portion of        said water may be evaporated into, for example, resulting in or        facilitating cooling or heat removal.

Step-by-Step Description (FIG. 19):

-   -   1) Heat ‘Absorption’ from Heat Source enhanced by or employing,        for example LCST Phase Change into Multi-Liquid Phase Mixture:        Relatively cold combined solution (L-1) (which may comprise a        single liquid phase) may be heated in one or more Heat Input        Heat Exchangers, where it may be heated through heat exchange        with one or more heat sources (HE-1). During heating, the L-1        may be heated at or above one or more cloud point temperatures,        which may result in the formation of two or more liquid phases        in a multi-liquid phase mixture (LL-1) due to, for example, one        or more LCST phase transitions.    -   2) Heat ‘Release’ or Heat Generation or Heat Transfer enhanced        by or employing dissolution of liquid phases at or above, for        example, LCST phase change dissolution: LL-1 or a combined        single phase liquid solution or a combination thereof may be        transferred to one or more ‘heating application heat exchangers’        wherein said fluid stream may be heat exchanged (HE-2) with the        one or more applications requiring heating, which may result in        one or more LCST dissolution phase transitions. A resulting        liquid stream (L-1) may comprise at least a portion of the two        or more liquid phases dissolved in each other or a single        combined solution comprising the two or more formerly separate        liquid streams, or a combination thereof.

Example Application 1: Power Plant or Industrial Waste Heat Transport toLow Grade Heating Demand Sources Example Application 2: Power PlantCondenser Cooling

Example Benefits may include, but are not limited to, one or more of thefollowing:

-   -   May reduce the amount of liquid requiring pumping relative to        water only cooling water system,    -   System may contain to employ evaporative cooling    -   May be a drop-in technology for, for example, re-circulating or        closed loop evaporative cooling systems

Example Application 3: Deicing Roads

Summary: The present embodiment may pertain to systems and methods fordeicing or otherwise heating roads or other surfaces, which may involve,for example, using, for example, passive or low-cost heat sources.

Inputs Outputs Example Inputs & Outputs (FIG. 22) Heat Input fromRelatively Warm Surface or Heat Output to De-Ice Road or Waste Heat orOther Heat Source or Warm Surface or Surface of Road Electricity (fluidpumping, liquid-liquid separation devices, or combinations thereof)Example Inputs & Outputs (FIG. 23) Heat Input from Relatively Warm WaterHeat Output to De-Ice or Body Underneath, for example, floating ice WarmSurface or Surface of Road or Function as an Enthalpy Source Electricity(fluid pumping, liquid-liquid separation devices, or combinationsthereof)

Step-by-Step Description (FIG. 22A—Regeneration and Storage of Heat):

-   -   1) Heat Absorption from Relatively ‘Warm’ Road or Surface with        Endothermic LCST Phase Change from Combined Solution to        Multi-Phase Liquid Solution: Combined liquid solution, which may        comprise a single liquid phase solution (L-1), may be passed        through a relatively surface, such as a road in sunlight or a        road where the ambient temperature outside or on the surface may        be relatively ‘warm,’ which may be, for example, above the        freezing temperature of water. For example, during said heat        exchange, L-1 may be heated at or above one or more cloud point        temperatures, which may result in one or more endothermic phase        transitions and/or in the formation of a multi-liquid phase        mixture (LL-1).    -   2) Separation Multi-Phase Liquid Solution into two or more        separate liquid phases using one or more liquid-liquid        separation devices: The multi-liquid phase mixture (LL-1) may be        transferred through, for example, a valve, for example a 3-way        ball valve (V-1), which may direct the multi-liquid phase        mixture (LL-2) into one or more multiphase liquid separation        devices (LLS-1). LLS-1 may separate the liquid mixture, at least        in part, into, for example, one or more constituent liquid        phases, which may result in two or more separate liquid streams        (L-2 and L-3). Each liquid stream may comprise a constituent        liquid phase or at least a portion of one constituent liquid        phase from, for example, LL-2.    -   3) Storage of Separate Liquid Phases in Separate Liquid Storage:        L-2 and L-3 may be transferred and stored in vessels specific to        each liquid stream. Each vessel or storage reagent may, for        example, store one liquid phase or may store liquid phases in        isolation or separate from one or more other liquid phase or        phases.

Step-by-Step Description (FIG. 22B—Heat Release or Generation for, forexample, deicing): May comprise the same or a similar embodiment as FIG.22A, except the present figure may be employed during heat release,employed, for example, for deicing. FIG. 22B may be 22A in reverse.

-   -   1) Transferring Separate Liquid Phases from Associated Storage        Vessels and Mixing into Combined Liquid Mixture: At least a        portion of liquids located in, for example, separate liquid        storage units may be transferred from their associated separate        liquid storage units as separate liquid streams (L-4 and L-5).        L-4 and L-5 may be mixed to form a combined liquid mixture        comprising, for example, a multiphase liquid mixture (LL-3) or        may undergo partial dissolution into a single liquid phase, or        fully dissolve into a combined liquid phase. The liquid streams        may be mixed, for example, before or during step 2.    -   2) Heat ‘Release’ into or in Heat Exchange with Relatively        ‘Cold’ Surface or Road due to Exothermic Dissolution of One or        More Liquid Phases: The combined multiphase liquid mixture (LL-3        and LL-1) may be transferred through a relatively ‘cold’        surface, which may result in the exothermic dissolution of the        one or more liquid phases into a single-phase liquid mixture        (L-1), while releasing heat into the road or other relatively        ‘cold’ surface. The heat generated may be enough to melt ice or        snow, or prevent ice build-up, or enable the temperature of the        road to be at or above the temperature of freezing, or enable        the temperature of the road to be greater than ambient        temperature or the temperature of the road or surface otherwise,        or a combination thereof.    -   3) Combined Solution Transferred to Storage Vessel or Vessels:        L-1 may be transferred to one or more combined solution storage        vessels. The combined solution may be regenerated into two or        more liquid phases when a heat source or heat sources are        available or employing, for example, the systems & methods        described in FIG. 22A or FIG. 23A.

Step-by-Step Description (FIG. 23A):

-   -   1) Heat Absorption from, for example, Water Body—LCST Phase        Change into Two or More Liquid Phases: A combined liquid stream        (L-1), which may comprise, for example, one liquid phase, may        transferred to a water body, which may, for example, possess ice        floating on its surface. The liquid beneath the surface of a        water body, even with ice cover, may possess a temperature        greater than the freezing point of water. For example, liquid        water is at its maximum density at about 4° C. L-1 may be heat        exchanged with the relatively ‘warm’ water beneath the surface,        which may be above one or more LCSTs and may result in an        endothermic phase change, which may result in the formation of a        multi-liquid phase mixture (LL-1). Heat exchanging may comprise,        for example, pumping the combined solution through a pipe or        coils of pipes beneath the surface of, for example, the water        body.    -   2) Separation Multi-Phase Liquid Solution into two or more        separate liquid phases using one or more liquid-liquid        separation devices: The multi-liquid phase mixture (LL-1) may be        transferred to or within one or more multiphase liquid        separation devices (LLS-1). LLS-1 may separate the liquid        mixture, at least in part, into, for example, one or more        constituent liquid phases, which may result in two or more        separate liquid streams (L-2 and L-3). Each liquid stream may        comprise a constituent liquid phase or at least a portion of one        constituent liquid phase from, for example, LL-2.    -   3) Transferring Separate Liquid Phases from, for example,        Location Near or In Water Body to Heating Application, such as        Heating Road or Other Surface: L-2 and L-3 may be transferred as        separate liquid streams. L-2 and L-3 may be isolated from each        other and may not be in fluid contact with each-other for at        least a portion of liquid transfer. At least a portion of latent        heat stored in the liquid system may effectively transfer to the        one or more applications requiring heating, which may be at        least in part independent of the temperature of the individual        liquid streams during transfer and/or independent of the        distance the individual liquid phases are transferred.    -   4) Heat ‘Release’ into or in Heat Exchange with Relatively        ‘Cold’ Surface or Road due to Exothermic Dissolution of One or        More Liquid Phases: At or near or within the one or more        destinations requiring heating, such as a relatively ‘cold’        surface or road, the two or more liquid phases (L-2 and L-3) are        mixed. Said solution may be transferred through the one or more        relatively ‘cold’ surfaces, which may result in the exothermic        dissolution of the one or more liquid phases into a single-phase        solution (L-1), which may, for example, release heat into the        road or other relatively ‘cold’ surface requiring heating. The        heat exchanged may be sufficient to melt ice or snow or prevent        ice build-up or enable the temperature of the road to be at or        above the temperature of freezing or enable the temperature of        the road to be greater than ambient temperature or the raise the        temperature of the working fluid, road, or other surface        compared to ambient conditions. The resulting combined solution        may comprise the input or starting solution of step 1.

Step-by-Step Description (FIG. 23B—Single Liquid Mixture HeatTransfer—May Employ LCST or UCST in Heat Transfer):

-   -   1) Heat Absorption or LCST Phase Change into Two or More Liquid        Phases from Water Body: A combined liquid stream (L-1), which        may comprise, for example, one liquid phase, may be transferred        to a water body, which may, for example, possess ice floating on        its surface. The liquid beneath the surface of a water body,        even with ice cover, may possess a temperature greater than the        freezing point of water. For example, liquid water may be at its        maximum density at about 4° C. L-1 may be heat exchanged with        the relatively ‘warm’ water beneath the surface, which may        result in one or more endothermic phase transitions which may        result in the formation of a multi-liquid phase mixture (LL-1).        Heat exchanging may simply comprise, for example, pumping the        combined solution through a pipe or coils of pipes beneath the        surface of the water body.    -   2) Transferring Combined Multiphase Liquid Mixture from Location        Near or In Water Body to Application Requiring Heating, such as        Heating Road or Other Surface: The multi-liquid phase mixture        (LL-1) may be transferred to the one or more applications        requiring heating. The multiple liquid phases of the        multi-liquid phase mixture may remain in fluid contact during        transport and may be transported in the same pipe or pipes. Due        to, for example, cooling from potentially cool temperatures        surrounding the solution transfer pipe or pipes, one or more        liquid phases in the multiphase liquid mixture may dissolve in        each other during transport. Said dissolution of the one or more        liquid phases may be exothermic, which may enable the        temperature of the multi-liquid phase mixture to remain        relatively stable or relatively more stable, for example, at or        near one or more LCSTs of the liquid system.    -   3) Heat ‘Release’ into or in Heat Exchange with Relatively        ‘Cold’ Surface or Road due to Exothermic Dissolution of One or        More Liquid Phases: At or near the one or more destinations        requiring heating, such as a relatively ‘cold’ surface or road,        LL-1 may arrive comprising a multi-phase liquid solution, a        single combined phase liquid solution, or a combination thereof.        LL-1 may be transferred through the one or more relatively        applications requiring heating, which may release heat into the        road or other relatively ‘cold’ surface requiring heating due        to, for example, latent heat of dissolution phase transition        and/or specific heat capacity. The heat released may be derived        from the exothermic dissolution of remaining liquid phases, the        specific heat capacity of the solution, or a combination        thereof. The heat exchanged may be sufficient to melt ice or        snow or prevent ice build-up or enable the temperature of the        road to be at or above the temperature of freezing or enable the        temperature of the road to be greater than ambient temperature        or the raise the temperature of the working fluid, road, or        other surface compared to ambient conditions. The resulting        combined solution may comprise the input or starting solution of        step 1.

Example Application 4: Substitute Coolant or Heat Transfer LiquidCooling Powered Osmotic Heat Engine

Summary (FIG. 24): The present embodiment may pertain to systems andmethods for generating electricity from relatively small temperaturedifferences. The working fluid in the present embodiment may comprise arelatively low viscosity liquid system, which may possess one or moreUCST phase transition temperatures. The liquid system may be regenerableand reversible.

The one or more liquid phases, which may be foil red from a UCST phasetransition, may be employed in an osmotic heat engine to generate powerfrom, for example, the mixing of two or more of the liquid phases. Oneor more liquid phases may comprise a feed solution. One or more liquidphases may comprise a draw solution. One or more liquid phases, ifdesired, may undergo further treatment before being employed as a feedsolution or draw solution. For example, said treatment may include, butis not limited to, separation of residual reagents desired to becomponents of the opposing liquid phase or phases or part of theopposing solution type (for example: Feed solution vs. draw solution).

The present embodiment may enable power generation from a cool sourceand a heat source, where, for example, the distance between the coolsource and heat source may be significant or may require fluid transportthrough regions of opposing temperature to the desired temperaturesource or a combination thereof.

For example, one or more versions of the present embodiment may be aneffective means of generating electricity from the thermocline of awater body, where the cool source is located near or at the bottom ofthe water body and the heat source is above, at, or near the surface ofthe water body. In said example, the working fluid carrying the coolsource may require travelling through warm water before reaching theapplication requiring cooling, which, with a working fluid relying onspecific heat, may result in losses to the surrounding water body.

In an example version of the present embodiment, the UCST liquid systemmay form two or more separate liquid phases at or near the cold sourceand said separate liquid phases may be separated, at least in part, intotwo separate liquid streams before the liquid phases are transferred tothe heat source. With the liquid phases separate during transport, theliquid phases may be heated to any temperature in the thermoclinewithout, for example, experiencing significant energetic losses in thesubsequent osmotic heat engine. Unlike an embodiment employingexclusively a specific heat working fluid, the present embodiment maybenefit from cool losses during transport to the surface as thecompositions of the separate liquid phases will not change while lessheat input would be required at the surface before or during the osmoticheat engine stage.

For example, one or more versions of the present embodiment may be aneffective means of generating electricity from power generation orindustrial waste heat, including, for example, where the distancebetween the cold source and the waste heat source is relativelysignificant. For example, at the cool source, such as a relatively coolwater body, the embodiment may form two or more liquid phases. Said twoor more liquid phases may be separated into two or more separate liquidstreams and transported to, for example, one or more waste heat sources.At said waste heat source, the two or more liquid phases may be heatedwith one or more sources of waste heat and may be mixed utilizingpressure retarded osmosis to generate electricity. For example, anotherbenefit of one or more versions of the present embodiment may be theability for the osmotic heat engine to generate electricity from wasteheat, for example, in a location where pre-existing infrastructure mayexist to transport or use or otherwise sell the electricity or powergenerated. For example, another benefit of one or more versions of thepresent embodiments may be the ability to regenerate the two or moreliquid phases at the cold source, as, for example, the regeneration ofthe two or more liquid phases may be lower complexity or require lessmaintenance or moving parts relative to, for example, the one or moreosmotic heat engine units.

The pressure retarded osmosis system may generate electricity, forexample, from difference in osmotic pressure between the reagents abovethe molecular weight cutoff of one or more membranes in one liquid phaseor liquid stream and the reagents above the molecular weight cutoff ofone or more of the same membranes in another liquid phase or liquidstream. For example, one or more of said liquid streams may be a feedsolution and one or more of said liquid streams may be a draw solution.

For example, one or more versions of the present embodiment may be aneffective means of generating power from the difference in temperaturebetween a cold region and a hot region of significant distance apart.For example, one side or one region of a tunnel, mountain, or othersubstantial geographic feature may be at a significantly differenttemperature than another side or region. A version of the presentembodiment may be employed to generate electricity from said temperaturedifference as, for example, it may generate electricity regardless oftemperature variation during working fluid transport.

Example Inputs & Outputs (FIG. 24) Inputs Outputs Cool Input from One orMore Electricity (Net Output) (from Cool Input Sources pressure retardedosmosis hydroelectric generator) Heat Input from One or More Heat InputSources Electricity (fluid pumping, liquid-liquid separation devices, orcombinations thereof)

Step-by-Step Description:

-   -   1) Combined Solution UCST Cooling Cloud Point Regeneration: A        combined, solution (L-1), which may comprise a single liquid        phase and/or may comprise a combined solution of the draw and        feed streams, may be cooled, using, for example, one or more        cooling sources or evaporative cooling, to, for example at or        below its cloud point or UCST temperature. L-1 may phase        transitions into a multi-liquid phase mixture (LL-1). The cool        source may comprise, including, but not limited to, one or more        cooling input sources or evaporation or a combination thereof.    -   2) Separation of Multi-Liquid Phase or Two Liquid Phase Mixture        into Constituent Liquid Phases: The multi-liquid phase mixture        (LL-1) may be transferred to or within one or more multiphase        liquid separation devices (LLS-1). LLS-1 may separate the liquid        mixture, at least in part, into, for example, one or more        constituent liquid phases, which may result in two or more        separate liquid streams (L-2 and L-3). One separated liquid        phase may comprise, for example, the draw solution, and other        liquid phase may comprise, for example, the feed solution.    -   3) Preheating of Separate Liquid Streams Above their Combined        UCST: L-2 and/or L-3 may be preheated (L-4 and L-5) using one or        more heat sources (HE-2 or HE-3) to above the cloud point        temperature or UCST of the liquid system. Alternatively, or        additionally, heat input may occur within the one or more        osmotic heat engine or pressure retarded osmosis units.    -   4) Pressure Retarded Osmosis Power Generation Employed One        Liquid Phase as a Feed Solution and One Liquid Phase as a Draw        Solution: L-4 and L-5 may comprise a feed solution and one or        more of the liquid phases may comprise a draw solution. Said        feed solution may be transferred into the feed input section of        the pressure retarded osmosis membrane system and said draw        solution may be transferred into the draw solution input section        of the pressure retarded osmosis membrane system. At the        membrane level, at least a portion of the feed solution may        migrate through the membrane pores into the draw solution, which        may result in hydraulic pressure. Said hydraulic pressure may be        converted into electricity using, for example, a hydroelectric        generator (G-1), which generates, for example, electricity        (E-1).

Note: The liquid streams may be heated before or during the pressureretarded osmosis unit or a combination thereof.

Note: The embodiment may include a further membrane step to remove orseparate residual draw solution or relatively high molecular weightcompounds from the one or more liquid phases to be employed as a feedsolution.

Note: In some embodiments, at least a portion of the feed solution doesnot pass through the membrane and may remain after passing through themembrane module. Said remaining feed solution may be mixed with theoutput diluted draw solution, for example, after power generation. Theresulting combined solution may be sent to step 1.

Example Components may include, but are not limited:

-   -   Nanofiltration or other PRO membrane that can reject PPGs or        PEGs or other molecules above a certain molecular weight or        hydration radius, however cannot reject or possess minimal        rejection of, including, but not limited to, one or more or a        combination of the following: Water, Propylene Glycol, Glycerol,        One or More Dissolved Ionic Compounds, Propylene Carbonate,        Ethylene Glycol, low molecular weight compounds, low molecular        weight organic compounds    -   Draw Solution: Water+PPG 425 Rich Phase (may contain low        concentrations of Propylene Carbonate)    -   Feed Solution: Propylene Carbonate-Rich Phase (may contain low        concentrations of PPG 425 or water or both)    -   The UCST temperature may be adjusted between, for example,        −10-100° C.    -   For Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion, for example, a two-phase        liquid solution with near equal volume liquid phases and high        selectively to form the draw solution in one layer or phase and        feed solution in another layer or phase has been created with        any UCST temperature −10-100° C. In said application, the        reagent composition effectively achieved the UCST temperature in        the desirable temperature range for this application, 4 −20° C.    -   One benefit of said described composition is the relatively high        selectively of each liquid phase to form its desired components.        For example, the propylene carbonate liquid phase may comprise        relatively low concentration or amount of PPG 425, while the        Water+PPG 425 liquid phase may comprise most or nearly all of        the PPG 425 or Water in the system.    -   The embodiment may be regenerated by cooling using, for example,        including, but not limited to, one or more or a combination of        the following: cool from ocean or lake or other cold sink        thermocline or cold temperatures, or other ambient cold source.    -   Before or during the membrane-based embodiment for Pressure        Retarded Osmosis power generation, the reagents may be heated        above a UCST temperature or temperature region before or during        contact between the membrane and liquid to enable, for example,        to solubility of both reagents.

EXAMPLE APPLICATIONS

OTEC System (example embodiment may comprise FIG. 25): The presentembodiments may be employed as a device for generating power from thedifference in temperature in the thermocline of a water body, forexample, the difference in temperature between the surface and lowerdepths of a water body. Similarly, present embodiments may be employedas a device for generating power from the difference in temperaturebetween temperatures outside of a water body or heat sink and thetemperature inside a water body or heat sink.

In versions of the embodiments employed in Ocean Thermal EnergyConversion to generate power from, for example, the thermocline of awater body, the heat sink or cooling heat exchange section of theembodiment (for example: HE-1), LL-1, L-1, or the one or moreliquid-liquid phase separation devices (LLS-1), or a combination thereofmay be located beneath the surface of the water body. The heat input,pressure retarded osmosis system, power generation unit, power output(for example: Electricity) or a combination thereof may be located onthe surface, on, above, or outside the water body or cold sink.

The present embodiment may enable complete or nearly complete recoveryof the temperature thermocline. The regeneration of the single liquidphase into two or more liquid phases may occur below on or more UCSTs,for example, beneath the surface of the water. Said two or more liquidphases may be separated into two or more separate liquid streams whichmay comprise at least a portion of the constituent liquid phases. Thecomposition of said liquid streams may remain constant as the liquidphases are pumped to the surface, as they may be separate from eachother and may not be in fluid contact during at least a portion oftransport. Upon reaching the surface, said separate liquid streams maycomprise the same composition as when they were formed at the coolingsource. Additionally, the increase in temperature of the liquid phasesas they are pumped up the thermocline (at lesser depths, the temperatureis generally warmer) may be beneficial, as it, including, but notlimited to, may reduce the heat input, if any, required before or duringpressure retarded osmosis.

Note: In an alternative version of the example embodiment, the ocean orwater body or other cold sink section of the embodiment may contain, forexample, no or minimal moving parts. The ocean or cold water body maycomprise a cooling heat exchange functioning as the cooling source orheat sink. A combined solution (which may comprise a single liquidphase) may be cooled to fouls the two or more liquid phase mixture. Thedevices employed to separate the multi-liquid phase mixture into itsconstituent liquid phases may be, for example, employed on, above, oroutside the water body.

Power Plant or Industrial Waste Heat or Solar Heat Powered System(District Cooling Powered System):

The present embodiments may be employed to generate power fromrelatively small temperature differences. Other sources of smalltemperature differences, may include, but not limited to, power plantwaste heat, power plant cooling water, datacenter cooling fluid, uneventemperatures of the surface of the earth, low grade solar thermal,industrial waste heat, or combinations thereof.

In the specific embodiment of power plants and other systems requiringcooling, the present embodiments may be employed as a replacement orsupplement of the coolant or cooling fluid presently employed, forexample, as a replacement for cooling water. The present embodiments mayenable a power plant or other heat or cold source to efficiently or moreefficiently be cooled, while, simultaneously generating additionalpower. For example, the UCST cooling phase change into two or moreliquid phases may occur in, for example, an evaporative cooling step,and the cooling of one or more units in the power plants may occur as aheat exchange with the pressure retarded osmosis system. Heat requiredfor the endothermic mixing occurring during pressure retarded osmosismay be supplied by the power plant as a heat exchange directly with thecondenser (for example: an alternative to cooling with condenser water).Heat input may occur before or during pressure retarded osmosis.

Heating Powered Osmotic Heat Engine

Summary (FIG. 26): The present embodiment may pertain to systems andmethods for generating electricity from relatively small temperaturedifferences. The working fluid or liquid system in the presentembodiment may comprise a relatively low viscosity liquid system, whichmay form two or more liquid phases from a single phase liquid solutionupon heating above one or more adjustable heating cloud pointtemperatures. The liquid system may be regenerable and reversible.

The one or more liquid phases, which may be formed from a UCST phasetransition, may be employed in an osmotic heat engine to generate powerfrom, for example, the mixing of two or more of the liquid phases. Oneor more liquid phases may comprise a feed solution. One or more liquidphases may comprise a draw solution. One or more liquid phases, ifdesired, may undergo further treatment before being employed as a feedsolution or draw solution. For example, said treatment may include, butis not limited to, separation of residual reagents desired to becomponents of the opposing liquid phase or phases or part of theopposing solution type (for example: Feed solution vs. draw solution).

The present embodiment may enable power generation from a heat sourceand a cool source, where, for example, the distance between the coolsource and heat source are significant or require fluid transportthrough regions of opposing to the desired temperature source ortemperature variation, a combination thereof.

For example, one or more versions of the present embodiment may enablepower generation from small temperature differences with low costreagents, non-hazardous operations, relatively moderate systemconditions, and relatively low system complexity.

For example, one or more versions of the present embodiment may functionas both an osmotic heat engine power generation system and a heattransfer system for cooling or heat transfer. For example, heat inputmay be derived from an application requiring cooling, for example, apower plant condenser. Cooling input may be integrated with the osmoticheat engine. For example, heat may be released during the mixing anddissolution of the two or more liquid phases in a pressure retardedosmosis power generation unit.

For example, another benefit of one or more versions of the presentembodiment may include that electricity generation occurs at the coldsource or cold input. This may enable the unit, for example, to beemployed in applications where pre-existing infrastructure may exist forheat input, for example, in applications as a heat exchange fluid in,for example, a power plant, industrial application, or datacenter. Saidbenefit may include applications where pre-existing infrastructure forheat input may require less complexity or has little versatility, forexample, the one or more condenser heat exchangers at a power plant. Forexample, liquid-liquid separation may occur subsequently to said heatexchange.

For example, one or more versions of the present embodiment may be aneffective means of generating power from the difference in temperaturebetween a cold region and a hot region of significant distance apart.For example, one side or one region of a tunnel, mountain, or othersubstantial geographic feature may be at a significantly differenttemperature than another side or region. A version of the presentembodiment may be employed to generate electricity from said temperaturedifference as, for example, it may generate electricity regardless ofheating or cooling losses during working fluid transport between the oneor more heating or cooling sources.

Example Inputs & Outputs (FIG. 26) Inputs Outputs Cool Input from One orMore Electricity (Net Output) (from Cool Input Sources pressure retardedosmosis hydroelectric generator) Heat Input from One or More Heat InputSources Electricity (fluid pumping, liquid-liquid separation devices, orcombinations thereof)

Step-by-Step Description:

-   -   1) Combined Solution LCST Heat Absorption Phase Transition into        Multi-Liquid Phase Mixture: A combined solution (L-1), which may        comprise a single liquid phase and/or a combined solution of the        draw and feed streams is heated, using one or more heat sources,        at or below its cloud point or LCST temperature. L-1 may phase        transition into a multi-liquid phase mixture, which may be        immiscible at or above the cloud point or LCST temperature,        comprising multi-liquid phase mixture (LL-1).    -   2) Separation of Multi-Liquid Phase or Two Liquid Phase Mixture        into Constituent Liquid Phases: The individual constituent        liquid phases of the multi-phase liquid stream (LL-1) may be        separated, at least in part, into independent liquid streams        comprising, for example, at least a portion of each liquid phase        (L-2 and L-3). One separated liquid stream may comprise, for        example, draw solution, and other separated liquid phase may        comprise, for example, feed solution.    -   3) Precooling of Separate Liquid Streams Below their Combined        LCST: The separate liquid streams (L-2 and L-3) may be precooled        (L-4 and L-5) using one or more cool sources (HE-2 or HE-3) or        evaporative cooling or combination thereof to below the cloud        point temperature or LCST of the liquid system. Alternatively,        or additionally, cooling input may occur within the one or more        osmotic heat engine or pressure retarded osmosis units.    -   4) Pressure Retarded Osmosis Power Generation Employing One or        More Liquid Phases as a Feed Solution and One or More Liquid        Phases as a Draw Solution: One or more of the liquid phases may        comprise a feed solution or one or more of the liquid phases may        comprise a draw solution or combination thereof. Said feed        solution may be transferred into the feed input section of the        pressure retarded osmosis membrane system and said draw solution        may be transferred into the draw solution input section of the        pressure retarded osmosis membrane system. At the membrane        level, at least a portion of the feed solution may migrate        through the membrane pores into a draw solution, which may        result in hydraulic pressure deriving from an osmotic pressure        difference. Said hydraulic pressure may be converted into        electricity using, for example, a hydroelectric generator (G-1),        which generates, for example, electricity (E-1).

Note: One or more streams may be cooled before or during the pressureretarded osmosis unit or a combination thereof.

Note: The embodiment may include a further membrane step to remove orseparate residual draw solution or relatively high molecular weightcompounds from the one or more liquid phases to be employed as a feedsolution.

Note: In some embodiments, at least a portion of the feed solution maynot pass through the membrane and may remain after passing through oneor more membrane modules or the end-to-end pressure retarded osmosisunit. Said remaining feed solution may be mixed with the output diluteddraw solution, for example, after power generation. The resultingcombined solution may be sent to step 1.

Example Components:

-   -   Nanofiltration or other PRO membrane that can reject PPGs or        PEGs or other molecules above a certain molecular weight or        hydration radius, however cannot reject or possess minimal        rejection of, including, but not limited to, one or more or a        combination of the following: Water, Propylene Glycol, Glycerol,        One or More Dissolved Ionic Compounds, Propylene Carbonate,        Ethylene Glycol, low molecular weight compounds, low molecular        weight organic compounds    -   Draw Solution: PPG 425 Rich Phase (may contain low        concentrations of Propylene Carbonate)    -   Feed Solution: Aqueous Salt Solution or Aqueous Glycerol        Solution Rich Phase or combination thereof (may contain low        concentrations of PPG 425 or water or both)    -   The LCST temperature may be adjusted between, for example,        −10-100° C.    -   One benefit of said described composition is the relatively high        selectively of each liquid phase to form its desired components.    -   Before or during the membrane-based embodiment for Pressure        Retarded Osmosis power generation, the reagents may be cooled        below one or more LCST or phase change temperatures or        temperature regions before or during contact between the        membrane and liquid to enable, for example, to solubility of        both reagents.

Example Application 1: Power Plant or Industrial Waste Heat or Low-GradeSolar Thermal Powered System Example Application 2: District HeatingPowered System Additional Example Embodiments De-Icing Roads and OtherSurfaces Employing ‘Warm’ Temperature Beneath the Surface of a WaterBody

Summary (FIGS. 27-31): The present embodiments may pertain to systems &methods for deicing roads and other surfaces with minimal energyconsumption, cost, or combination thereof. The present embodiment maycomprise, including, but not limited to, one or more or a combination ofthe following components: fluid storage vessel, one or more heatexchangers, fluid transfer pipes, fluid transfer pump, piping or heatexchange other heat exchange method under, within, or above the heatedsurface or surfaces, or components beneath the surface of one or morewater bodies or components on, above, or outside one or more waterbodies. Components beneath the surface of the water body may include,but are not limited to, for example, one or more or a combination of thefollowing: heat exchange fluid storage vessel, one or more heatexchangers, or fluid transfer pipes. Components above the surface of thewater body may include, but are not limited to, one or more or acombination of the following: fluid transfer pipes, fluid transfer pump,piping or heat exchange other heat exchange method under, within, orabove the heated surface or surfaces. Heat exchange fluids or liquidsystem may comprise, for example, including, but not limited to,antifreeze or UCST composition or LCST composition or combinationthereof.

The present embodiments may enable the effective harnessing of arelatively stable temperature heat or enthalpy source during below waterfreezing temperature conditions, the temperature beneath the surface ofa water body during sub-freezing air, or surface temperatures or acombination thereof.

The present embodiments may include, for example, one or more heatexchange fluid or liquid system storage tanks located beneath thesurface of a water body. Heat exchange fluid may be pumped from theliquid storage tank and heat exchanged with a road or other surfacerequiring deicing or heating. The heat exchange fluid may be returned tothe original heat exchange fluid tank or transferred to another tankemployed, for example, to store utilized heat exchange fluid.

Other benefits of the embodiments described herein may include, but arenot limited to, one or more or a combination of the following: smallland use or land footprint, temperature stable fluid storage duringsubfreezing surface temperatures without requiring the placement of thetank beneath the ground, passive source of heat, no or minimal carbondioxide emissions, environmentally benign, and widespread availabilityof water bodies in proximity to major roads in cold regions.

For example, the present embodiments may be applicable to roads andother surfaces requiring deicing relatively nearby or in relativelyclose proximity to one or more bodies of water. Example cities, include,but are not limited to, Chicago, Ill., Minneapolis, Minn., Buffalo,N.Y., Detroit, Mich., Tianjin, China, Moscow, Russia, Nanjing, China,Cleveland, Ohio, Milwaukee, Wis., Toronto, Canada, Provo, Utah,Saskatoon, Canada.

The present embodiments may employ said heat exchange fluid as a heat orenthalpy source for a liquid source heat pump. The heat pump maytransfer the heat to another heat exchange fluid, which is heatexchanged with the road or other surface requiring heating or deicing.Water may be at the highest density at around 4° C. Depending on thetemperature of the surface of the road and the heat exchange apparatusbetween the surface of the road and the heat exchange fluid, 4° C. maybe insufficient to overcome the delta-T of the heat exchange with theroad and supply sufficient heating for deicing (note: other temperatureheat sources may be available). One or more heat pumps may be employed,for example, to extract heat from the fluid heat exchanging with thewater body and supply higher temperature heat exchange fluid as the heatinput source to the surface of the road. The higher temperature heatexchange fluid may be, for example, including, but not limited to,greater than 4° C., or greater than 5° C., or greater than 10° C., orgreater than 15° C., or greater than 20° C., or less than 20° C., orgreater than 30° C., or combination thereof. Due to, for example, therelatively small temperature difference between the input temperature tothe heat pump and output temperature of the heat pump, the heat pump mayexhibit a high coefficient of performance and a high heat transferefficiency. For example, a heat pump transferring heat from 4° C. inputto 10° C. output may have a coefficient of performance of, forexample, >8, or >10, or >15, or combination thereof. As a result, forexample, the present embodiment may effectively heat and deice a roadwith electrical or other form of valuable energy input comprising lessthan 1/15^(th) or less than 1/10^(th) or less than ⅕^(th) the totalenergy supplied to the road or other surface being heated or deiced. Thepresent embodiment may make it economically viable from a CAPEX and OPEXperspective to deice roads or other surfaces without or with less use orapplication of snow plows, salt, molasses, sand or other costly orenvironmentally harmful or combination thereof operations orconsumables.

The present embodiments may employ a LCST phase change liquid systemwherein the LCST may be less than the temperature some water at orbeneath the surface or at the bottom of a water body. The liquid systemmay form two or more liquid phases, which may be, at least in part,separated. For example, said liquid phases may separate by forming twoor more liquid layers in, for example, one or more liquid storage tanksbeneath the surface of one or more water bodies. The two or more liquidlayers may be separated and stored in separate storage tanks.Alternatively, the two or more liquid layers may remain in the storagetanks. When the separated liquid phases may need to be utilized, one ormore liquid phases may be pumped from the one or more storage tanks asseparate liquid streams or in separate locations. The two or more liquidstreams may be mixed to released heat and heat exchange said heat with,for example, road or other application requiring heating. It isimportant to note than active cloud point adjustment or refrigeration orheat pump cycles described may also be employed in one or more surfaceheating or heat transfer embodiments to, for example, facilitate orenable said embodiments or may embody said embodiments.

The embodiments may employ a utilized heat exchange fluid storage tankor tanks. Said utilized heat exchange fluid storage tank or tanks mayalso function as heating phase change vessels or as a liquid-liquidseparation device or a combination thereof.

Note: During warmer air temperatures, for example, during warmerseasons, the heat exchange and fluid storage system beneath the surfaceof the water body may employed as a cooling system to supply a coolingsource or cooling enthalpy source. The heat exchange fluid may be, forexample, the enthalpy source for an air conditioner or other form ofcooling heat pump. Said cooling heat pump may function as a heating heatpump during cooling air temperature conditions. Depending on thetemperature difference between the heat exchange fluid in the waterbody, outside air temperatures, and the temperature of the heating orcooling application, during cool time periods, the heat exchange fluidmay function as an enthalpy source for a heat pump employed for spaceheating or as an enthalpy source for a heat pump employed to supply heatto de-ice roads.

Note: Water from beneath the surface of the water body may not desirablybe pumped directly for the purposes of heating a road or de-icingbecause of, for example, the risk of ice formation during the ‘heatexchange’ embodiment with the road, biofouling risks, or combinationsthereof.

Note: The one or more heat exchange fluid storage tanks may be locatedbeneath the surface of the water only during specific time periods oryear-round or a combination thereof. The one or more heat exchange fluidstorage tanks, if desired, may not be in direct fluid contact orliquid-liquid contact with the surrounding water body to prevent, forexample, fluid losses or environmental ramifications of fluid losses orboth.

Note: In a heat exchange embodiment, where the heat exchange fluid maybe directly heat exchanged with the water beneath the surface of a waterbody for purposes of deicing, for example, a road, the heat exchangermay accumulate ice, resulting in a loss in heat exchange efficiency.This may be prevented by employing, for example, a relatively largevolume heat exchange fluid storage vessel to store the heat exchangefluid beneath the surface of the water body. This may be prevented byemploying, for example, a larger heat exchange surface area. This may beprevented by employing, for example, a greater water flow over the heatexchanger surfaces. This may be prevented by employing, for example, theone or more heat exchange fluid transfer pipes as heat exchangers.

Note: In embodiments employing, for example, one or more storage tank tostore utilized heat exchange fluid, the storage tanks storing utilizedheat exchange fluid may later be employed as heat source heat exchangefluid tanks and the present heat source heat exchange fluid tanks may belater employed as utilized heat exchange fluid storage tanks.

Note: As heat exchange fluid is pumped out of one or more heat exchangefluid storage vessels, the removed liquid volume may be replaced with,including, but not limited to, one or more or a combination of thefollowing: recirculated or return stream heat exchange fluid,recirculated or return stream heat exchange fluid pre-heated in heatexchange with water beneath the surface of the pond before entering oneor more heat exchange fluid storage vessels, air, compressed air,hydraulic fluid, or compressed gas.

Note: The heat exchange fluids may comprise relatively environmentallybenign or environmentally friendly reagents. For example, may include,but not limited to, one or more or a combination of the following:water, sugars, propylene glycol, glycerol, propylene carbonate, ethanol,ethers, diols, polypropylene glycol, polypropylene carbonate,polyethylene glycol, or polyethylene carbonate.

Conditions, Compositions, Other Parameters, Other Notes

-   -   Example ‘CST reagents’, or ‘LCST Reagents’, or ‘UCST reagents’,        or ‘UCST drivers’, may include, but are not limited to, one or        more or a combination of the following: Dipropylene Glycol        n-Butyl Ether (DPnB), Tri(propylene glycol) butyl ether mixture        of isomers (TPnB), Propylene glycol n-butyl ether (PnB),        Dipropylene Glycol n-Propyl Ether (DPnP), Diethylene Glycol        Monohexyl Ether (D-Hex n-hexyl ether), Propylene glycol propyl        ether (PnP), 2-Butoxyethanol (EB Butyl Glycol), PPG 425, PPG        725, PPG 1000, PEGDME 250, PEGDME 500, PEG 1000, PEG 600, PEG        400, PEG 200, ionic liquids    -   Example ‘LCST binding reagents’, or ‘LCST binder reagents’, or        ‘Low Solubility Reagents’ may include, but are not limited to,        one or more or a combination of the following: Ethylene Glycol        Diacetate, Propylene Glycol Diacetate, Dipropylene Glycol        Dimethyl Ether (DPE), 2-Heptanone, Propylene glycol monomethyl        ether acetate, Propylene Carbonate, Cyclohexanone, 1-Octanol,        Dipropylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate,        1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, Ethylene glycol monohexyl ether,        Acetal (1,1-Diethoxyethane), Isoamyl acetate, Dibutyl ether,        m-Xylene, Isopropyl acetate, Dimethyl carbonate, Butanone,        Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), o-Xylene, Acetylacetone,        p-Xylene, Methyl Isobutyl Ketone, Toluene, 3-Pentanone, Propyl        acetate, Ethylene glycol monopropyl ether, 2-Methoxyethyl        acetate, 5-Methyl-2-hexanone, 4-Methyl-2-pentanone, 3-Pentanone,        2-Pentanone, 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran    -   The UCST liquid systems described herein may include        compositions that possess a UCST temperature that is adjustable        or tunable to any temperature from −20-1000° C.    -   The LCST liquid systems introduced herein may include        compositions that possess a LCST temperature that is adjustable        or tunable to any temperature from −20-1000° C.    -   UCST liquid system compositions include, but are not limited to,        one or more or a combination of the following: water, organic        solvent, polymer, glycol, carbonate, carbonate ester, ester,        ether, diol, lactam, protic solvents, aprotic solvents, amide,        alcohol, fluorinated compound, halogenated compound,        hydrocarbon, organic polymer, alkylene glycol, alkylene        carbonate, polyol, urea, ionic liquid, imine, amine, amide,        imide, azide, azine, acrylamide, acrylic, carboxylic acid,        ketone, aldehydes, alkaloids, halides, carbonyl, nitrile,        acetyl, peroxide, ionic compounds, epoxide, thioester, acetal,        alkane, alkene, alkyne, haloalkane, hydroperoxide, methoxy,        Carboxylate, cyanate, nirate, nitrite, nitroso, oximine,        carbamate, pyridine, organic sulfur compound, organic        phosphorous compound, boron, boron containing compound,        inorganic chemical, inorganic compound, enol    -   LCST reagent compositions include, but are not limited to, one        or more or a combination of the following: water, organic        solvent, polymer, glycol, carbonate, carbonate ester, ester,        ether, diol, lactam, protic solvents, aprotic solvents, amide,        alcohol, fluorinated compound, halogenated compound,        hydrocarbon, organic polymer, alkylene glycol, alkylene        carbonate, polyol, urea, ionic liquid, imine, amine, amide,        imide, azide, azine, acrylamide, acrylic, carboxylic acid,        ketone, aldehydes, alkaloids, halides, carbonyl, nitrile,        acetyl, peroxide, ionic compounds, epoxide, thioester, acetal,        alkane, alkene, alkyne, haloalkane, hydroperoxide, methoxy,        Carboxylate, cyanate, nirate, nitrite, nitroso, oximine,        carbamate, pyridine, organic sulfur compound, organic        phosphorous compound, boron, boron containing compound,        inorganic chemical, inorganic compound, enol    -   Viscosity is greater than, equal to, or less than 100,000 cP, or        10,000 cP, or 1,000 cP, or 500 cP, or 100 cP, or 50 cP, or 40        cP, or 30 cP, or 20 cP, or 10 cP, or 9 cP, or 8 cP, or 7 cP, or        6 cP, or 5 cP, or 4 cP, or 3 cP, or 2 cP, or 1 cP or 0.5 cP, or        combination thereof    -   Cooling Inputs or Sources include, but are not limited to, one        or more or a combination of the following: thermocline water        body, thermocline liquid body, water body, cold liquid body,        evaporative cooling, heat pump cooling, air cooling, heat        exchange with enthalpy source, cyrogenic cooling, LNG        gasification, pressure reduction, cold surface, radiative        cooling, endothothermic phase change    -   Heating Inputs or Sources include, but are not limited to, one        or more or a combination of the following: Waste Heat, Ambient        Temperature Changes, Diurnal Temperature Variation, Thermocline        liquid body, thermocline solid body, thermocline gaseous body,        Thermocline of a water body, halocline, heat pump, solar        thermal, solar thermal pond, light, electricity, steam,        combustion, compression, pressure increase, geothermal,        radiative heat, condensation, exothermic dissolution, exothermic        precipitation, exothermic formation of more liquid phases,        exothermic formation of less liquid phases, exothermic phase        change, or other heat sources described herein.    -   Temperatures: temperatures of operation are greater than, less        than, or equal to or a combination thereof include, but are not        limited to, one or more or a combination of the following: −100°        C., or −90° C., or −80° C., or −70° C., or −60° C., or −50° C.,        or −40° C., or −30° C., or −20° C., or −10° C., 0° C., 1° C., 2°        C., 3° C., 4° C., 5° C., 6° C., 7° C., 8° C., 9° C., 10° C., 11°        C., 12° C., 13° C., 14° C., 15° C., 16° C., 17° C., 18° C., 19°        C., 20° C., 21° C., 30° C., 40° C., 50° C., 60° C., 70° C., 80°        C., 90° C., 100° C., 110° C., 120° C., 130° C., 140° C., 150°        C., 140° C., 150° C., 200° C., 500° C., 1000° C., 2000° C.,        3000° C., 10000° C., 100000° C.    -   Mass percentages of one or more components comprise greater than        or less than or equal to one or more or a combination of the        following: 0.0000001%, 0.001%, 0.01%, 0.1%, 1%, or 5%, or 10%,        or 11%, or 12%, or 13%, or 14%, 15%, or 16%, or 17%, or 18%, or        19%, or 20%, or 21%, or 22%, or 23%, or 24%, or 25%, or 26%, or        27%, or 28%, or 29%, or 30%, or 31%, or 32%, or 33%, or 34%, or        35%, or 36%, or 37%, or 38%, or 39%, or 40%, or 41%, or 42%, or        43%, or 44%, or 45%, or 46%, or 47%, or 48%, or 49%, or 50%, or        51%, or 52%, or 53%, or 54%, or 55%, or 56%, or 57%, or 58%, or        59%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70%, or 75%, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or        95%, or less than or equal to 100%.    -   Relative mass distribution of one or more liquid phases may        include, but is not limited to, greater than or less than or        equal to one or more or a combination of the following:        0.0000001%, 0.001%, 0.01%, 0.1%, 1%, or 5%, or 10%, or 11%, or        12%, or 13%, or 14%, 15%, or 16%, or 17%, or 18%, or 19%, or        20%, or 21%, or 22%, or 23%, or 24%, or 25%, or 26%, or 27%, or        28%, or 29%, or 30%, or 31%, or 32%, or 33%, or 34%, or 35%, or        36%, or 37%, or 38%, or 39%, or 40%, or 41%, or 42%, or 43%, or        44%, or 45%, or 46%, or 47%, or 48%, or 49%, or 50%, or 51%, or        52%, or 53%, or 54%, or 55%, or 56%, or 57%, or 58%, or 59%, or        60%, or 65%, or 70%, or 75%, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or        less than or equal to 100%.    -   Separation Devices may include, but are not limited to, one or        more or a combination of the following: decanter, separatory        funnel, coalescer, centrifuge, filter, switchable solvent,        cyclone, semi-permeable membrane, nanofiltration, organic        solvent nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration,        microfiltration, hot nanofiltration, hot ultrafiltration,        distillation, membrane distillation, flash distillation,        multi-effect distillation, mechanical vapor compression        distillation, or hybrid systems    -   Depth reached by workings fluids, including, but not limited to,        working fluids possessing an UCST or LCST, recovering cool or        heat or enthalpy or entropy or combination thereof from water        body or other liquid body thermocline to recover cool or heat        may include, but are not limited to, one or more or a        combination of the following: depths in the range of 0 to 15,000        meters, depths in the range of 0 to 1,000,000 meters; less than,        equal to, or greater than 10 meters, or 20 meters, or 50 meters,        or 100 meters, or 250 meters, or 500 meters, or 1000 meters    -   Applications may include, but are not limited to, one or more or        a combination of the following: refrigeration, heat pump, cool        transfer, heat transfer, radiative heating, radiative cooling,        osmotic heat engine, geothermal heat transfer, ground source        heat pump, geothermal cooling, geothermal heating, food &        beverage production, industrial cooling, industrial heating,        district heat, power generation, power plant cooling,        transportation cooling, transportation heating, space heating,        space cooling, HVAC, generating electricity from small        temperature differences, generating electricity from relatively        larger temperature differences, generating power from        temperature differences, transferring heat or cool long        distances, data center cooling, extractions, gas separations,        separations, protein extractions, protein separations    -   The compositions discussed herein may be expected to find        numerous applications outside of heat or cooling transfer or        energy generation. Example applications may include, but are not        limited to, one or more or a combination of the following: drug        delivery systems, drug delivery systems where solid carriers        dissolve upon heating or cooling, biocompatible applications,        diagnostic or sensor devices, diagnostic or sensor devices        wherein the presence of one or more analytes results in the        phase separation/mixing triggered by a certain analyte, low tech        thermometers, sensors which form more or less layers or change        colors above or below one or more specific temperatures,        thermometers, temperature probes, temperature sensors,        humidifiers, humidifiers or water evaporators or water        absorbers, humidifiers, humidifiers or water evaporators or        water absorbers wherein one or more liquid phases has a        different water vapor pressure than other liquid phases or        combined solution, cold or heat storage in packaging, reusable        hot or cold packs, carriers for one or more types of catalysts,        transportation of fuels, transportation of gases, transportation        of liquids, reversible transport of reagents.    -   Reagents or compositions may involve multiple phases or        properties, which may include, but are not limited to, Gas,        Liquid, aqueous, solid, dissolved, one or more ionic species or        forms, one or more liquid phase species, biphasic mixture,        multiphasic mixture, multiphasic mixture comprising liquids,        solid mixture, supercritical, hydrate, triple-point, or        combination thereof.    -   Reagents or compositions may include, but are not limited to,        one or more or a combination of the following: compound        containing carbon, compound containing hydrogen, compound        containing oxygen, compound containing nitrogen, compound        containing sulfur, saturated hydrocarbon, unsaturated        hydrocarbon, cyclic hydrocarbon, cyclo hydrocarbon, aromatic        hydrocarbon, alkane, alkene, alkyne, cycloalkane, alkadiene,        polymers, halogenated hydrocarbons, hydrocarbons with one or        more functional groups, one or more hydrocarbons in crude oil,        one or more different hydrocarbons in crude oil, one or more        hydrocarbons in naphtha, one or more hydrocarbons in gasoline,        one or more hydrocarbons in diesel, one or more hydrocarbons in        heavy oil, one or more hydrocarbons in natural gas, natural gas        liquids, one or more hydrocarbons in kerosene, organic solvents,        light hydrocarbons, heavy hydrocarbons, water insoluble        hydrocarbons, partially water soluble hydrocarbons, water        soluble hydrocarbons, low toxicity hydrocarbons, medium toxicity        hydrocarbons, high toxicity hydrocarbons, methane, Ethane,        Ethene (ethylene), Ethyne (acetylene), Propane, Propene        (propylene), Propyne (methylacetylene), Cyclopropane,        Propadiene, Butane, Butene (butylene), Butyne, Cyclobutane,        Butadiene, Pentane, Pentene, Pentyne, Cyclopentane, Pentadiene,        (piperylene), Hexane, Hexene, Hexyne, Cyclohexane, Hexadiene,        Heptane, Heptene, Heptyne, Cycloheptane, Heptadiene, Octane,        Octene, Octyne, Cyclooctane, Octadiene, hydrocarbon solution,        hydrocarbon containing mixture, amino acids    -   (a) Membrane-Based Separation may comprise one or a combination        of the following: Nanofiltration, Organic Solvent        Nanofiltration, Reverse Osmosis, Forward Osmosis,        Ultrafiltration, Microfiltration    -   (b) Distillation or evaporations may comprise one or a        combination of the following: Batch distillation, Continuous        distillation, Simple distillation, Fractional distillation,        Steam distillation, Azeotropic distillation, Multi-effect        distillation, Multi-stage flash distillation, Flash        distillation, Mechanical vapor compression distillation,        Membrane distillation, Vacuum distillation, Short path        distillation, Zone distillation, Air sensitive distillation    -   (c) Switchable solvent—may comprise one or a combination of the        following: Thermally switchable, CO₂-switchable, Switchable        solvents responsive to other changes to system conditions.

One or more reagents may comprise water, organic solvent, siloxanes,ionic liquids, water soluble polymer, soluble polymer, glycol,polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, ethers, glycol ethers, glycolether esters, triglyme, polyethylene glycols of multiple geometries,including, branched polyethylene glycols, star polyethylene glycols,comb polyethylene glycols, methoxypolyethylene glycol, polyvinylalcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylic Acid, diol polymers, 1,2propanediol, 1,2 ethanediol, 1,3 propanediol, cellulose ethers,methylcellulose, cellosize, carboxymethylcellulose,hydroxyethylcellulose, sugar alcohol, sugars, alcohols, ketones,aldehydes, esters, organosilicon compounds, halogenated solvents,non-volatile solvents, a reagent with a vapor pressure less than 0.01atm at 20° C., soluble reagents with a molecular weight greater than 80daltons, volatile organic solvents, soluble reagents with a molecularweight less than 600 daltons, soluble reagents with a molecular weightless than 200 daltons, dimethoxymethane, acetone, acetaldehyde,methanol, dimethyl ether, THF, ethanol, isopropanol, propanal, methylformate, azeotropes, alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, esters, organosiliconcompounds, halogenated solvents, a reagent with a vapor pressure greaterthan than 0.01 atm at 20° C., or a mixture thereof.

One or more reagents may comprise water, ammonia, ammonium, amine,azine, amino ethyl ethanol amine, 2-amino-2-methylpropan-1-ol (AMP),MDEA, MEA, primary amine, secondary amine, tertiary amine, low molecularweight primary or secondary amine, metal-amine complex, metal-ammoniacomplex, metal-ammonium complex, sterically hindered amine, imines,azines, piperazine, alkali metal, lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium,caesium, alkaline earth metal, calcium, magnesium, ionic liquid,thermally switchable compounds, CO₂ switchable compounds, enzymes,metal-organic frameworks, quaternary ammonium, quaternary ammoniumcations, quaternary ammonium cations embedded in polymer, or mixturesthereof ion exchange, ion exchange membrane, electrodialysis, or removalor replacement of the absorbent and/or CO₂ containing solution.

One or more reagents may comprise organic solvent, water solublepolymer, soluble polymer, glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropyleneglycol, ethers, glycol ethers, glycol ether esters, triglyme,polyethylene glycols of multiple geometries, including, branchedpolyethylene glycols, star polyethylene glycols, comb polyethyleneglycols, methoxypolyethylene glycol, zwitterionic polymers, amino acids,polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylic Acid, diolpolymers, 1,2 propanediol, 1,2 ethanediol, 1,3 propanediol, celluloseethers, methylcellulose, cellosize, carboxymethylcellulose,hydroxyethylcellulose, sugar alcohol, sugars, alcohols, ketones,aldehydes, esters, organosilicon compounds, halogenated solvents,non-volatile solvents, a reagent with a vapor pressure less than 0.01atm at 20° C., soluble reagents with a molecular weight greater than 80daltons, or mixtures thereof.

The membrane may be comprised of any useful material and such usefulmaterial may vary depending upon the components to be separated, theirmolecular weight, viscosity, and/or other properties. Useful membranesmay include, for example, membranes comprised of a material selectedfrom a thin film composite; a polyamide; a cellulose acetate; a ceramicmembrane; other materials and combinations thereof.

One or more reagents may comprise, for example, one or more or acombination of the following: volatile organic solvents, solublereagents with a molecular weight less than 600 daltons, soluble reagentswith a molecular weight less than 200 daltons, dimethoxymethane,acetone, acetaldehyde, methanol, dimethyl ether, THF, ethanol,isopropanol, propanal, methyl formate, azeotropes, alcohols, ketones,aldehydes, esters, organosilicon compounds, halogenated solvents, areagent with a vapor pressure greater than than 0.01 atm at 20° C., or amixture thereof.

In some embodiments one or more reagents may comprise a thermallyswitchable reagent, a CO₂ switchable reagent, or a non-ionic carboncontaining compound.

Chilled, wherein cooling may be conducted by, for example, including,but not limited to, ambient source, water bodies, cooling tower,industrial evaporative chiller, evaporative cooling and other chillingor cooling processes known in the art.

For example, the membranes, evaporators, or other separatin mechanismsmay include one or more or a combination of the following: membrane,reverse osmosis, hot reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, organic solventnanofiltration, hot nanofiltration, ultrafiltration, hotultrafiltration, microfiltration, filtration, distillation, membranedistillation, multi-effect distillation, mechanical vapor compressiondistillation, binary distillation, azeotrope distillation, hybridseparation devices, flash distillation, multistage flash distillation,extractive distillation, switchable solvent, LCST phase change, UCSTphase change, ‘salting-out,’ or centrifuge, or combinations thereof.

reagentreagent In some embodiments the membrane may have a molecularweight cutoff of greater than about 80 daltons. That is, the membraneallows passage of a substantial or majority amount of components with amolecular weight or hydration radius of less than about 80 daltons whilerejecting a substantial or majority amount of components with amolecular weight of greater than about 80 daltons. In the art, anotherdefinition of molecular weight cut-off may refer to the lowest molecularweight solute (in daltons) in which 90% of the solute is retained by themembrane, or the molecular weight of the molecule that is 90% retainedby the membrane. Membranes with a molecular weight cutoff of less than1,000 daltons, or less than 10,000 daltons, or less than 50,000 daltons,or less than 100,000 daltons, or less than 200,000 daltons, or less than500,000 daltons, or less than 1,000,000 daltons may also be usefuldepending upon the circumstances and components employed

Reagents may include, but are not limited to, water, ammonia, ammoniumamine, primary amine, secondary amine, tertiary amine, methylamine(MEA), methylethanolamine, aminoethylethanolamine, azine, imine, strongbase, hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium oxide,potassium oxide, organic solvent, commercial CO₂ capture absorbents,quaternary ammonium compound, Selexol, Rectisol, KS-1, UCARSOL,metal-organic framework, solid adsorbent, high surface area compounds,activated carbon, zeolites, carbon nanotubes, graphene, graphene oxide,amine, amino ethyl ethanol amine, 2-Amino-2-methylpropan-1-ol (AMP),MDEA, MEA, primary amine, secondary amine, or tertiary amine, lowmolecular weight primary or secondary amine, metal-ammine complex,metal-ammonia complex, metal-ammonium complex, sterically hinderedamine, imines, azines, piperazine, amine functionalized polymers, alkalimetal, lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, caesium, alkaline earthmetal, calcium, magnesium, cations, ionic liquid, CO₂ switchablesolvents, CO₂ switchable surfactants carbonate, polymer containing aminefunctional groups, poler containing CO₂ reactive functional groups,enzymes, metal-organic frameworks, glycolamine, diglycolamine,piperazine, diethanolamine, diglycolamine, diisopropanolamine,quaternary ammonia or quaternary ammonium cations, or quaternaryammonium cations embedded in polymer, or mixtures thereof.

The concentration of one or more reagents relative to solvent orrelative to one or more other reagents may include, but is not limitedto, mass % concentrations of less than any of the following: 0.001%, or0.1%, or 0.5%, or 1%, or 1.5%, or 2%, or 2.5%, or 3%, or 3.5%, or 4%, or4.5%, or 5%, or 5.5%, or 6%, or 6.5%, or 7%, or 7.5%, or 8%, or 8.5%, or9%, or 9.5%, or 10%, or 10.5%, or 11%, or 11.5%, or 12%, or 12.5%, or13%, or 13.5%, or 14%, or 14.5%, or 15%, or 20%, or 30%, or 40%, or 50%,or 60%, or 70%, or 80%, or 90%, or 100%.

Heat sources, may include, but are not limited to, Power Plant (Naturalgas, coal, oil, petcoke, biofuel, municipal waste), Waste WaterTreatment, Landfill gas, Air, Metal production/refining (such as Iron,Steel, Aluminum, etc.), Glass production, Oil refineries, HVAC,Transportation vehicles (ships, boats, cars, buses, trains, trucks,airplanes), Natural Gas, Biogas, Alcohol fermentation, VolcanicActivity, Decomposing leaves/biomass, Septic tank, Respiration,Manufacturing facilities, Fertilizer production, or Geothermal processeswhere CO₂(g) releases from a well or wells.

One or more embodiments may be aqueous or non-aqueous. Solvents mayinclude, for example, polar organic solvents, including, but not limitedto, ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, ethylene glycol, propyleneglycol, DMSO, water and acetonitrile or inorganic solvents, such asliquid ammonia or liquid amines and mixtures thereof.

The concentration of one or more reagents may be as a low as 0.000001 Mor as great as pure reagent. In molarity terms, the concentration of theone or more reagents may be as low as 0.00001M or less than any of thefollowing: 0.01 M, or 0.05M, or 0.1M, or 0.3M, or 0.5M, or 0.8 M, or 1M,or 1.3M, or 1.5M, or 1.8M, or 2M, or 2.3M, or 2.5M, or 2.8M, or 3M, or3.3M, or 3.5M, or 3.8M, or 4M, or 5M, or 6M, or 7M, or 8M, or 9M, or10M, or 12M, or 15M, or 18M, or even pure reagent

One or more soluble reagents may be preheated or cooled before, during,or after injection into one or more mixing apparatuses.

Mixing apparatuses and methods may include, but are not limited to, oneor more or a combination of the following: batch mixers, continuousstirred-tank reactors, CSTRs, distillation column, packed column,electrospray, spray column, countercurrent spray column, and/or otherapparatuses and/or methods. The apparatus may be heated using waste heator other heat source for, including, but not limited to, promoting gasdesorption, promoting gas desorption, reducing viscosity and/orincreasing the rate of solvent mixing.

Reagents or streams may include, but is not limited to, one or more or acombination of the following: water, polymers, organic solvents,concentrated soluble reagent solutions, water soluble polymers,combinations of soluble reagents, solvent mixtures, emulsions, purereagent, pure solvent, aqueous solvent, surfactant containing solvents,zwitterions, solids, soluble solids, gases, liquid-solid mixtures,soluble gases, aerosols, suspended solids, solid-gas mixtures, supercritical fluids, and fluid mixtures.

Application of Heating or Cooling: Heating or cooling may beincorporated throughout the integrated process.

In water, Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and polypropylene glycols (PPGs),for example, may have higher Gibbs free energy of mixing and osmoticpressure at lower temperatures.

The concentration of one or more reagents or soluble reagents,including, but not limited to, may contain a mass % concentration ofsaid one or more reagents or soluble reagents as low as 0.0001% to asgreat as 99.99999%. Mass % concentrations of the one or more reagents orsoluble reagents may be practically greater than any of the following:1%, or 5%, or 10%, or 11%, or 12%, or 13%, or 14%, 15%, or 16%, or 17%,or 18%, or 19%, or 20%, or 21%, or 22%, or 23%, or 24%, or 25%, or 26%,or 27%, or 28%, or 29%, or 30%, or 31%, or 32%, or 33%, or 34%, or 35%,or 36%, or 37%, or 38%, or 39%, or 40%, or 41%, or 42%, or 43%, or 44%,or 45%, or 46%, or 47%, or 48%, or 49%, or 50%, or 51%, or 52%, or 53%,or 54%, or 55%, or 56%, or 57%, or 58%, or 59%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70%,or 75%, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or less than or equal to 100%.

Mass % solubility of one or more reagents may be practically greaterthan any of the following: insoluble, 0.001%, 0.01%, 0.1%, or 1%, or 2%,or 3%, or 4%, or 5%, or 6%, or 7%, or 8%, or 9%, or 10%, or 11%, or 12%,or 13%, or 14%, or 15%, or 16%, or 17%, or 18%, or 19%, or 20%, or 21%,or 22%, or 23%, or 24%, or 25%, or 26%, or 27%, or 28%, or 29%, or 30%,or 31%, or 32%, or 33%, or 34%, or 35%, or 36%, or 37%, or 38%, or 39%,or 40%, or 41%, or 42%, or 43%, or 44%, or 45%, or 46%, or 47%, or 48%,or 49%, or 50%, or 51%, or 52%, or 53%, or 54%, or 55%, or 56%, or 57%,or 58%, or 59%, or 60%, or 61%, or 62%, or 63%, or 64%, or 65%, or 66%,or 67%, or 68%, or 69%, or 70%, or 71%, or 72%, or 73%, or 74%, or 75%,or 76%, or 77%, or 78%, or 79%, or 80%, or 81%, or 82%, or 83%, or 84%,or 85%, or 86%, or 87%, or 88%, or 89%, or 90%, or 90.5%, or 91%, or91.5%, or 92%, or 92.5%, or 93%, or 93.5%, or 94%, or 94.5%, or 95%, or95.5%, or 96%, or 96.5%, or 97%, or 97.5%, or 98%, or 98.5%, or 99%, or99.5%, or 99.9%, or 100%, or completely miscible.

System pressures, may include, but are not limited to, greater than oneor more or a combination of the following: 0.00001 atm, or 0.01 atm, orgreater than or less than 0.05 atm, or 0.1 atm, or 0.2 atm, or 0.3 atm,or 0.4 atm, or 0.5 atm or 0.6 atm, or 0.7 atm, or 0.8 atm, or 0.9 atm,or 1 atm, or 1.1 atm, or 1.2 atm, or 1.3 atm, or 1.4 atm, or 1.5 atm, or1.6 atm, or 1.7 atm, or 1.8 atm, or 1.9 atm, or 2 atm, or 2.1 atm, or2.2 atm, or 2.3 atm, or 2.4 atm, or 2.5 atm, or 2.6 atm, or 2.7 atm, or2.8 atm, or 2.9 atm, or 3 atm, or 3.5 atm, or 4 atm, or 4.5 atm, or 5atm, or 5.5 atm, or 6 atm, or 6.5 atm, or 7 atm, or 7.5 atm, or 8 atm,or 8.5 atm, or 9 atm, or 9.5 atm, or 10 atm, or 12 atm, or 15 atm, or 18atm, or 20 atm, or 22 atm, or 25 atm, or 28 atm, or 30 atm, or 40 atm,or 50 atm, or 60 atm, or 75 atm, or 100 atm, or 120 atm, or 150 atm, or200 atm, or 500 atm, or 1,000 atm, or 10,000 atm, or 100,000 atm, orless than 1,000,000 atm.

Separation devices and mechanisms may include, but are not limited to,one or more or a combination of the following: coalescer, switchablesolvent, cyclone, semi-permeable membrane, nanofiltration, organicsolvent nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration,microfiltration, hot nanofiltration, hot ultrafiltration, distillation,membrane distillation, flash distillation, multi-effect distillation,mechanical vapor compression distillation, hybrid systems, thermallyswitchable solvent, centrifuge, or filter or combinations thereof.

The power source of one or more pumps may include, but is not limitedto, one or more or a combination of the following: electricity, pressureexchanger, turbocharger, hydraulic pressure, heat, pressure retardedosmosis, or forward osmosis.

Following the membrane or filter based separation, energy can berecovered by both or either the permeate and/or the concentrate. Theseenergy recovery devices are known in the art and may include, but arenot limited to, pressure exchangers and turbochargers.

=sources may include, but are not limited to, waste heat, power plantwaste heat, steam, heat, pump or compressor waste heat, industrialprocess waste heat, steel waste heat, metal refining and productionwaste heat, paper mill waste heat, cement production waste heat,calcination waste heat, factory waste heat, petroleum refining wasteheat, solar heat, solar pond, air conditioner waste heat, combustionheat, geothermal heat, ocean or water body thermal heat, stored heat,and gas absorption solution heat. Temperatures of heating or cooling forany of the embodiments disclosed include, but are not limited to, lessthan any of the following: −20° C., or −10° C., or 0° C., or 10° C., or20° C., or 25° C., or 30° C., or 35° C., or 40° C., or 41.5° C., or41.5° C., or 41.5° C.-60° C., or 45° C., or 50° C., or 55° C., or 60°C., or 60-100° C., or 110° C., or 150° C., or 1000° C.

Relatively lower molecular weight reagents may be employed ifadvantageous, including, but not limited to, polyethylene glycols150-2000, polypropylene glycols 425-4000 and glycol ethers, such astriglyme.

One or more embodiments may be constructed and transported in smallerscale modules or as a unit, such as in shipping containers andtransported and used in other locations.

Multicomponent separation devices or multistage separation devices maybe employed. Said device or devices may include, but are not limited to,one or more or a combination of the following: binary distillation,azeotrope distillation, membrane distillation, mechanical vaporcompression, hybrid systems, flash distillation, multistage flashdistillation, multieffect distillation, extractive distillation,switchable solvent, reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, organic solventnanofiltration, ultrafiltration, and microfiltration. For example, sucha hybrid system may involve at least partially recovering the solublereagent using nanofiltration and then further concentrating the solublereagent using membrane distillation. Another example of such a hybridsystem may be a process wherein a switchable solvent ‘switches’ out ofsolution due to the presence of a stimulant, such as a change intemperature, then nanofiltration is employed to further concentrate theswitchable solvent or remove remaining switchable solvent in othersolution. The switchable solvent or other reagent dissolved in solutionmay be further recovered or concentrated or even removed from the one ormore layers or separate solutions that are formed.

The osmotic pressure range of one or more solutions may be as low as0.001 atm to as great as 1,000,000 atm. The osmotic pressure may be aslow as less than any of the following: 0.001 atm, or 0.01 atm, orgreater than or less than 0.05 atm, or 0.1 atm, or 0.2 atm, or 0.3 atm,or 0.4 atm, or 0.5 atm or 0.6 atm, or 0.7 atm, or 0.8 atm, or 0.9 atm,or 1 atm, or 1.1 atm, or 1.2 atm, or 1.3 atm, or 1.4 atm, or 1.5 atm, or1.6 atm, or 1.7 atm, or 1.8 atm, or 1.9 atm, or 2 atm, or 2.1 atm, or2.2 atm, or 2.3 atm, or 2.4 atm, or 2.5 atm, or 2.6 atm, or 2.7 atm, or2.8 atm, or 2.9 atm, or 3 atm, or 3.5 atm, or 4 atm, or 4.5 atm, or 5atm, or 5.5 atm, or 6 atm, or 6.5 atm, or 7 atm, or 7.5 atm, or 8 atm,or 8.5 atm, or 9 atm, or 9.5 atm, or 10 atm, or 12 atm, or 15 atm, or 18atm, or 20 atm, or 22 atm, or 25 atm, or 28 atm, or 30 atm, or 35 atm,or 40 atm, or 45 atm, or 50 atm, or 55 atm, or 60 atm, or 65 atm, or 70atm, or 75 atm, or 80 atm, or 85 atm, or 90 atm, or 95 atm, or 100 atm,or 150 atm, or 200 atm, or 500 atm, or 1,000 atm, or 10,000 atm, or100,000 atm, or less than 1,000,000 atm, or pure solvent.

Solid precipitation, dissolution, or liquid freezing may occur,intentionally or unintentionally, within one or more embodiments,including, but not limited to, due to changes in concentrations,concentrations, dissolved gas concentrations, pressures, temperature,other system conditions, or combinations thereof.

One or more CST reagents may comprise random or sequential copolymers oflow molecular weight diols such as 1,2 propanediol, 1,2 ethanediol,and/or 1,3 propanediol.

For example, thermosensitive poly(N isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM)hydrogels can absorb water below the volume phase transition temperature(VPTT, ˜32C) and expel water at temperatures above the VPTT. Otherexamples of these hydrogel reagents include polyacrylamide (PAM),PNIPAM, and poly(Nisopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) and sodium(P(NIPAM-co-SA)).

Other CST reagents may include, but are not limited to, Methylcelluloseand triethylamine.

Reagents that change solubility or other recovery method due to pressureor a combination of pressure and temperature may also be useful. Thesemay include, but are not limited to, PSA, polyacrylamide (PAM), PNIPAM,and poly(Nisopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid sodium (P(NIPAM-co-SA))hydrogels.

Changes in solution kinetic energy can act as a stimulus to change orpromote a change in the solubility or other form of recovery of an addedreagent. Kinetic energy can be of various forms, including, but notlimited to, mixing and sonication. Ultrasonic sonication may increase ordecrease solubility or phase transition.

reagentreagentreagentreagentreagentreagentreagentreagentreagentreagentreagentreagentreagentreagentreagentreagentExamples of waste heat sources mayinclude, but are not limited to, the following: Power Plant (Naturalgas, coal, oil, petcoke, biofuel, municipal waste), Condensing water,Flue Gas, Steam, Oil refineries, Metal production/refining (Iron, Steel,Aluminum, etc.), Glass production, Manufacturing facilities, Fertilizerproduction, Transportation vehicles (ships, boats, cars, buses, trains,trucks, airplanes), Waste Water Treatment, Solar thermal, Solar pond,Solar photovoltaic, Geothermal (Deep Well), Biofuel powered vehicles,Biofuel/Biomass/Municipal Waste Power Plants, Desulfurization, Alcoholproduction, hydrogen sulfide treatment, acid (e.g. sulfuric) production,Renewable fertilizer production, Ocean Thermal, Space heating, Greywater, Diurnal temperature variation, Geothermal (Shallow well/loop), orrespiration.

Heat or cooling may be applied at any point of one or more embodiments

Heat exchangers and recovery devices may be employed where advantageous.

-   -   Mixing devices, may include, but are not limited to, on or more        or a combination of the following:        -   CSTR, Batch, Semibatch, or flash devices        -   Turbine: Rushton Turbine, or Smith Turbine, or Helical            Turbine, or Bakker Turbine        -   Low shear mixer, High shear mixer, Dynamic mixer, Inline            mixer, Static mixer, Turbulent flow mixer, No mixer,            Close-clearance mixer, High shear disperser, Static mixers,            Liquid whistles, Mix-Itometer, Impeller mixer, Liquid-Liquid            mixing, Liquid-Solid mixing, Liquid-Gas mixing,            Liquid-Gas-Solid mixing, Multiphase mixing, Radial Flow,            Axial Flow, Flat or curved blade geometry

Any portion of the process may be heated or cooled. Heat sources mayinclude, but are not limited to, waste heat, power plant waste heat,steam, heat, pump or compressor waste heat, industrial process wasteheat, steel waste heat, metal refining and production waste heat, papermill waste heat, factory waste heat, petroleum refining waste heat,solar heat, solar pond, air conditioner waste heat, combustion heat,geothermal heat, ocean or water body thermal heat, stored heat, andCO₂(g) absorption solution heat.

One or more reagents or compositions may comprise: Aqueous solution,Water soluble polymer, Soluble polymer, Glycol Polyethylene Glycol,Polypropylene Glycol Ethers, Glycol Ethers, Glycol ether esters,Triglyme. Polyethylene Glycols of multiple geometries,Methoxypolyethylene Glycol, Polyvinyl Alcohol Polyvinylpyrrolidone,Polyacrylic Acid, Diol polymers, 1,2 propanediol, 1,2 ethanediol, 1,3propanediol, Cellulose Ethers, Methylcellulose, Cellosize,Carboxymethylcellulose, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sugar Alcohol, Sugars,Alcohols Ketones, Aldehydes, Esters, Organosilicon compounds,Halogenated solvents

CST Reagents may include, but are not limited to, one or more or acombination of the following:

-   -   Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)        -   Heterobifunctional PEGs: Azide (—N3) Functionalized, Biotin            Functionalized, Maleimide Functionalized, NHS Ester            Functionalized, Thiol Functionalized, COOH Functionalized,            Amine Functionalized, Hydroxyl Functionalized,            Acrylate/Methacrylate Functionalized        -   Homobifunctional PEGs        -   Monofunctional PEGs        -   PEG Dendrimers and Multi-arm PEGs: PEG-core Dendrimers,            Multi-arm PEGs, Multi-arm PEG Block Copolymers        -   PEG Copolymers: PEG Diblock Copolymers, PEG/PPG Triblock            Copolymers, Biodegradable PEG Triblock Copolymers, Multi-arm            PEG Block Copolymers, Random Copolymers        -   PEG and Oligo Ethylene Glycol: Examples: PEG 200, PEG 300,            PEG 400, PEG 600, PEG 1000, PEG 1450, PEG 1500, PEG 2050,            PEG 3350, PEG 8000, PEG 10000        -   Poly(ethylene oxide)        -   High Oligomer Purity PEG        -   Polyethylene glycol-polyvinyl alcohol (PEG-PVA)    -   Polypropylene Glycol (PPG)        -   Examples: PPG 425-4000    -   Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) and Polyacrylamide (PAM)        -   PNIPAM Copolymers        -   Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM)        -   Polyacrylamide (PAM) and Copolymers    -   Poly(2-oxazoline) and Polyethylenimine (PEI)    -   Poly(acrylic acid), Polymethacrylate and Other Acrylic Polymers    -   Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and Copolymers        -   Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)        -   Poly(vinyl alcohol-co-ethylene) ethylene    -   Poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) and Copolymers    -   Polyelectrolytes, may include, but not limited to, one or more        or a combination of the following: Poly(styrenesulfonate) (PSS)        and Copolymers, Polyacrylamide (PAM)-based Polyelectrolytes,        Poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), Sodium Salt, Poly(allylamine        hydrochloride), Poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) Solution,        Poly(vinyl acid)    -   Cucurbit[n]uril Hydrate    -   Quaternary ammonium polymers    -   Carboxypolymethylene (carbomer)    -   Polyvinyl methyl ether-maleic anhydride (PVM-MA)    -   Carboxypolymethylene (carboxyvinyl polymer)    -   Polyvinyl methyl ether-maleic anhydride    -   Carboxymethylcellulose    -   Hydroxyethylcellulose and derivatives    -   Methylcellulose and derivatives    -   Other cellulose ethers, may include, but are not limited to:        Ethylcellulose or Hydroxypropylcellulose    -   Sodium carboxymethylcellulose    -   Hydroxyethylcellulose and ethyl hydroxyethylcellulose    -   Natural water-soluble polymers: Starches, Sugars,        Polysaccharides, Agar, Alginates, Carrageenan, Furcellaran,        Casein and caseinates, Gelatin, Guar gum and derivatives, Gum        arabic, Locust bean gum, Pectin, Cassia gum, Fenugreek gum,        Psyllium seed gum, Tamarind gum, Tara gum, Gum ghatti, Gum        karaya, Gum tragacanth, Xanthan gum, Curdlan, Diutan gum, Gellan        gum, Pullulan, Scleroglucan (sclerotium gum)

PEGs are available with different geometries, including, but not limitedto, the following:

-   -   Branched PEGs: have three to ten PEG chains emanating from a        central core group.    -   Star PEGs: have 10 to 100 PEG chains emanating from a central        core group.    -   Comb PEGs: have multiple PEG chains normally grafted onto a        polymer backbone.

Reagent propertiess for embodiments, may include, but not limited to,one or more or a combination of the following:

-   -   Soluble reagent, Soluble organic solvent, Soluble polymer, Water        soluble reagent, Soluble reagent separable with a membrane,        Water soluble reagent separable with a membrane, Water soluble        organic solvent, Water soluble polymer, Organic solvent        separable with a membrane, Polymer separable with a membrane,        Soluble organic solvent separable with a membrane, Soluble        polymer separable with a membrane, Large molecular weight water        soluble organic solvent, Small molecular weight water soluble        polymer, Non-volatile organic solvent, Low volatility organic        solvent, High volatility organic solvent that is separable with        a membrane, Organic solvent with a molecular weight, including,        but not limited to, greater than 100 da or any of the following:        125 da, or 150 da, or 175 da, or 200 da, or 225 da, or 250 da,        or 275 da, or 300 da, or 325 da, or 350 da, or 375 da, or 400        da, or 425 da, or 450 da, or 475 da, or 500 da, or 525 da, or        550 da, or 575 da, or 600 da, Polymer with a molecular weight,        including, but not limited to, greater than 100 da or greater        than any of the following: 125 da, or 150 da, or 175 da, or 200        da, or 225 da, or 250 da, or 275 da, or 300 da, or 325 da, or        350 da, or 375 da, or 400 da, or 425 da, or 450 da, or 475 da,        or 500 da, or 525 da, or 550 da, or 575 da, or 600 da, Reagent        with a molecular weight, including, but not limited to, greater        than 100 da or greater than any of the following: 125 da, or 150        da, or 175 da, or 200 da, or 225 da, or 250 da, or 275 da, or        300 da, or 325 da, or 350 da, or 375 da, or 400 da, or 425 da,        or 450 da, or 475 da, or 500 da, or 525 da, or 550 da, or 575        da, or 600 da, Organic solvent with a hydration radius,        including, but not limited to, greater than 100 da, or greater        than any of the following: 125 da, or 150 da, or 175 da, or 200        da, or 225 da, or 250 da, or 275 da, or 300 da, or 325 da, or        350 da, or 375 da, or 400 da, or 425 da, or 450 da, or 475 da,        or 500 da, or 525 da, or 550 da, or 575 da, or 600 da    -   Polymer with a hydration radius, including, but not limited to,        greater than 100 da, or or greater than any of the following:        125 da, or 150 da, or 175 da, or 200 da, or 225 da, or 250 da,        or 275 da, or 300 da, or 325 da, or 350 da, or 375 da, or 400        da, or 425 da, or 450 da, or 475 da, or 500 da, or 525 da, or        550 da, or 575 da, or 600 da    -   Reagent with a hydration radius, including, but not limited to,        greater than 100 da, or or greater than any of the following:        125 da, or 150 da, or 175 da, or 200 da, or 225 da, or 250 da,        or 275 da, or 300 da, or 325 da, or 350 da, or 375 da, or 400        da, or 425 da, or 450 da, or 475 da, or 500 da, or 525 da, or        550 da, or 575 da, or 600 da    -   The solubility of one or more reagents may be less than, equal        to, or greater than including, but not limited to, one or more        of the following: 0.00001 g per kg solvent, 0.01 g per kg        solvent, 0.1 g per kg solvent, 0.5 g per kg solvent, 1 g per kg        solvent, 1.5 g per kg of solvent, 2 g per kg of solvent, 3 g per        kg of solvent, 4 g per kg of solvent, 5 g per kg of solvent, 6 g        per kg of solvent, 7 g per kg of solvent, 8 g per kg of solvent,        9 g per kg of solvent, 10 g per kg of solvent, 11 g per kg of        solvent, 12 g per kg of solvent, 13 g per kg of solvent, 14 g        per kg of solvent, 15 g per kg of solvent, 16 g per kg of        solvent, 17 g per kg of solvent, 18 g per kg of solvent, 19 g        per kg of solvent, 20 g per kg of solvent, 21 g per kg of        solvent, 22 g per kg of solvent, 23 g per kg of solvent, 24 g        per kg of solvent, 25 g per kg of solvent, 26 g per kg of        solvent, 27 g per kg of solvent, 28 g per kg of solvent, 29 g        per kg of solvent, 30 g per kg of solvent, 40 g per kg of        solvent, 50 g per kg of solvent, 60 g per kg of solvent, 70 g        per kg of solvent, 80 g per kg of solvent, 90 g per kg of        solvent, 100 g per kg of solvent, 110 g per kg of solvent, 150 g        per kg of solvent, 200 g per kg of solvent, 300 g per kg of        solvent, 400 g per kg of solvent, 500 g per kg of solvent, 750 g        per kg of solvent, 1000 g per kg of solvent, 1500 g per kg of        solvent, 2000 g per kg of solvent    -   Additional applications for the embodiments described herein,        may include, but are not limited to, one or more or a        combination of the following: acid gas removal,        hydrocarbon-hydrocarbon separation, hydrocarbon-inert gas        separation, acid gas processing, natural gas processing, gas        processing, syngas purification, syngas acid gas removal, CO₂        removal from steam methane reforming gases, CO₂ removal from        steam biomass reforming gases biogas upgrading, CO₂ removal from        hydrocarbon reforming gases, biogas upgrading, gas treatment,        CO₂ capture, post-combustion capture, pre-combustion capture,        landfill gas, flue gas, air separation, gas concentrating, gas        removal, aerosol removal, aerosol separation, enhanced oil        recovery with or without supercritical fluids, enhanced oil        recovery gas processing, enhanced oil recovery gas processing        for CO₂ reinjection, separation of Fischer-Tropsch gases or        liquids.    -   Reagents, compounds, ionic compounds, salts, solvents, or        reagents may include, but are not limited to, one or more or a        combination of the following: H−, H+, D−, D+, H2−, H2+, H3+,        He−, He+, He, H+, He2+, Li−, Li+, Na−, Na+, K−, K+, Cu−, Cu+,        LiH−, LiH+, NaH−, NaH+, KH+, Be−, Be+, Mg−, Mg+, Ca−, Ca+, Zn−,        Zn+, BeH−, BeH+, MgH−, MgH+, CaH+, ZnH+, BeH2+, B−, B+, Al−,        Al+, Sc+, Ga−, Ga+, BH−, BH+, AlH−, AlH+, ScH+, GaH+, BH2−,        BH2+, AlH2−, o2AlH2+, BH3−, BH3+, AlH3−, AlH3+, BH4−, AlH4−, C−,        C+, Si−, Si+, Ti−, Ti+, Ge−, Ge+, CH−, CH+, SiH−, SiH+, GeH+,        CH2−, CH2+, SiH2−, SiH2+, GeH2−, CH3−, CH3+, SiH3−, SiH3+,        GeH3+, CH4−, CH4+, SiH4+, N−, N+, P−, P+, V+, As−, As+, NH−,        NH+, PH−, PH+, AsH+, NH2−, NH2+, PH2−, PH2+, AsH2+, NH3−, NH3+,        PH3+, AsH3+, NH4+, PH4+, O−, O+, S−, S+, Se−, Se+, OH−, OH+,        HS−, HS+, CrH+, HSe−, HSe+, H2O−, H2O+, H2S−, H2S+, H2Se+, H3O+,        H3S+, H3Se+, F−, F+, Cl−, Cl+, Br−, Br+, I−, I+, HF−, HF+, HCl−,        HCl+, HBr−, HBr+, H2F+, H2Cl+, H2Br+, Ne−, Ne+, Ar−, Ar+, Kr+,        NeH+, ArH+, KrH+, XeH+, Li2−, Li2+, NaLi−, NaLi+, Na2−, Na2+,        NaK+, Be2−, Be2+, Mg2−, Mg2+, B2−, B2+, Al2−, Al2+, BC−, BC+,        C2−, C2+, SiC−, SiC+, Si2−, Si2+, C2H−, C2H+, C2H2+, H2CC−,        HCCH−, C2H3−, C2H3+, C2H4−, C2H4+, C2H5−, C2H5+, C2H6+, C2H7+,        LiN+, BeN−, BeN+, BN−, AlN−, AlN+, BN+, CN−, CN+, CP−, CP+,        SiN−, SiN+, SiP−, SiP+, N2−, N2+, PN−, PN+, P2−, P2+, HCN−,        HCN+, NNH+, HPO+, CNH2+, H2CN+, HCNH+, N2H2+, CH2NH2+, N2H4+,        CH3NH2+, N2H5+, CH3NH3+, CH3PH3+, LiO−, LiO+, LiS+, NaO−, NaO+,        KO+, BeO−, BeO+, MgO−, MgO+, MgS−, MgS+, BeS−, BeS+, BO−, AlO−,        AlO+, BS−, BS+, AlS−, AlS+, BO+, CO−, CO+, CS−, CS+, SiO−, SiO+,        SiS−, SiS+, CSe−, CSe+, GeO+, NO−, NO+, NS−, NS+, PO−, PO+, PS−,        PS+, O2−, O2+, SO−, SO+, S2−, S2+, SeO−, SeO+, SeS−, SeS+, Se2−,        Se2+, COH+, HCO−, HCO+, HCS−, HCS+, HNO−, HNO+, NOH+, HNS−,        HO2−, HO2+, KOH2+, H2CO−, H2CO+, H2CS−, H2CS+, H2O2+, H2S2+,        CH2OH+, CH3O−, CH3O+, H2CSH+, H3O2+, CH3OH−, CH3OH+, CH3SH+,        CH3OH2+, CH3SH2+, H5O2+, LiCl−, LiCl+, NaF−, NaF+, NaCl−, NaCl+,        LiBr−, LiBr+, NaBr−, NaBr+, LiF−, LiF+, BeF−, BeF+, MgF−, MgF+,        MgCl−, MgCl+, ZnF−, ZnF+, BeCl−, BeCl+, BF−, BF+, AlF−, AlF+,        BCl−, BCl+, AlCl−, AlCl+, GaF+, GaCl+, CF−, CF+, CCl−, CCl+,        SiF−, SiF+, SiCl−, SiCl+, GeF+, NF−, NF+, NCl−, NCl+, PF−, PF+,        PCl−, PCl+, FO−, FO+, ClO−, ClO+, SF−, SF+, SCl−, SCl+, BrO−,        F2−, F2+, ClF, ClF+, Cl2−, Cl2+, BrF−, BrF+, BrCl−, BrCl+, Br2−,        Br2+, I2+, HOBr+, F2H+, FHF−, Cl2H+, CH3ClH+, LiNe+, Ne2+, Ar2+,        Li3+, C3+, C3H3−, C3H3+, C3H3+, C3H5+, C3H7+, C3H7+, C3H7+, N3−,        N3+, CH3CN−, CH3CN+, HNCNH2+, NCNH3+, C2H5NH+, C2H6N+,        (CH3)2NH2+, CH3CH2NH3+, Li2O+, CNO−, NCO−, SCN−, BO2−, BO2+,        N2O−, N2O+, CO2−, CO2+, OCS+, CS2−, CS2+, NO2−, NO2+, PO2−,        PO2+, O3−, O3+, SO2−, SO2+, S3−, S3+, SeO2+, HCO2−, HNNO+,        NNOH+, HOCO+, HNO2+, O3H+, SO2H+, CH2CO+, H2COO+, CH3CO−,        CH3CO+, CH3OO−, CH3OO+, H2CONH2+, C2H4OH+, C2H4OH+, CH3CHOH+,        FCO+, CF2−, CF2+, SiF2+, CCl2−, CC2+, ClOO+, OClO−, OClO+, NF2+,        SF2−, SF2+, F3−, Cl3−, HCCF+, HFCO+, CH2CHF+, C4+, C4H2+, C2N2+,        HCCCN+, C3H3N+, CH3NHN2+, CH6N3+, (CH3)3NH+, C3H7NH3+, CO3−,        NO3−, NO3+, SO3−, SO3+, HCO3−, C2H2O2+, H2NO3+, CH3COO−, H3CO3+,        NH2CONH2+, NH2COOH2+, NH3COOH+, CH5N2O+, H2NCOHNH2+, CH3COCH3−,        CH3COHCH3+, C2Cl2+, BF3−, BF3+, ClO3−, CF3−, CF3+, SiF3+, CCl3−,        CCl3+, SiCl3+, NF3−, NF3+, NF3H+, AsF3H+, CH2ClCH2OH2+, C5H5−,        C3H3N2−, C4H4N−, C4H6N+, C4H6N+, C4H6N+, NC4H12+, C3O2+, PO4−,        SO4−, HSO4−, C4H4O+, C4H10O+, ClO4−, BF4−, CCl4+, C2HF3+, C6H5−,        C6H06+, C6H7+, C5H6N+, C2O4−, CF3CN+, C2F4+, SiF5−, SF5+, C7H7+,        CF3COO−, PF6−, C6N4−, H, H, D, D, H2, H2, H3, He, He, He, H,        He2, Li, Li, Na, Na, K, K, Cu, Cu, LiH, Li, NaH, NaH, KH, Be,        Be, Mg, Mg, Ca, Ca, Zn, Zn, BeH, BeH, MgH, MgH, CaH, ZnH, BeH2,        B, B, Al, Al, Sc, Ga, Ga, BH, BH, AlH, AlH, ScH, GaH, BH2, BH2,        AlH2, o2AlH2, BH3, BH3, AlH3, AlH3, BH4, AlH4, C, C, Si, Si, Ti,        Ti, Ge, Ge, CH, CH, SiH, SiH, GeH, CH2, CH2, SiH2, SiH2, GeH2,        CH3, CH3, SiH3, SiH3, GeH3, CH4, CH4, SiH4, N, N, P, P, V, As,        As, NH, NH, PH, PH, AsH, NH2, NH2, PH2, PH2, AsH2+, NH3, NH3,        PH3, AsH3, NH4, PH4, O, O, S, S, Se, Se, OH, OH, HS, HS, CrH,        HSe, HSe, H2O, H2O, H2S, H2S, H2Se, H3O, H3S, H3Se, F, F, Cl,        Cl, Br, Br, I, I, HF, HF, HCl, HCl, HBr, HBr, H2F, H2C1, H2Br,        Ne, Ne, Ar, Ar, Kr, NeH, ArH, KrH, XeH, Li2, Li2, NaLi, NaLi,        Na2, Na2, NaK, Be2, Be2, Mg2, Mg2, B2, B2, Al2, Al2, BC, BC, C2,        C2, SiC, SiC, Si2, Si2, C2H, C2H, C2H2, H2CC, HCCH, C2H3, C2H3,        C2H4, C2H4, C2H5, C2H5, C2H6, C2H7, LiN, BeN, BeN, BN, AlN, AlN,        BN, CN, CN, CP, CP, SiN, SiN, SiP, SiP, N2, N2, PN, PN, P2, P2,        HC, HCN, NNH, HPO, CNH2, H2CN, HCNH, N2H2, CH2NH2, N2H4, CH3NH2,        N2H5, CH3NH3, CH3PH3, LiO, LiO, LiS, NaO, NaO, KO, BeO, BeO,        MgO, MgO, MgS, MgS, BeS, BeS, BO, AlO, AlO, BS, BS, AlS, AlS,        BO, CO, CO, CS, CS, SiO, SiO, SiS, SiS, CSe, CSe, GeO, NO, NO,        NS, NS, PO, PO, PS, PS, O2, O2, SO, SO, S2, S2, SeO, SeO, SeS,        SeS, Se2, Se2, COH, HCO, HCO, HCS, HCS, HNO, HNO, NOH, HNS, HO2,        HO2, KOH2, H2CO, H2CO, H2CS, H2CS, H2O2, H2S2, CH2OH, CH3O,        CH3O, H2CSH, H3O2, CH3OH, CH3OH, CH3SH, CH3OH2, CH3SH2, HSO2,        LiCl, LiCl, NaF, NaF, NaCl, NaCl, LiBr, LiBr, NaBr, NaBr, LiF,        LiF, BeF, BeF, MgF, MgF, MgCl, MgCl, ZnF, ZnF, BeCl, BeCl, BF,        BF, AlF, AlF, BCl, BCl, AlCl, AlCl, GaF, GaCl, CF, CF, CCl, CCl,        SiF, SiF, SiCl, SiCl, GeF, NF, NF, NCl, NCl, PF, P, PCI, PC, FO,        FO, ClO, ClOO, SF, SF, SCl, SCl, BrO, F2, F2, ClF, ClF, Cl2,        Cl2, BrF, BrF, BrCl, BrCl, Br2, Br2, I2, HOBr, F2H, FHF−, Cl2H,        CH3C1H, LiNe, Ne2, Ar2, Li3, C3, C3H3, C3H3, C3H3, C3H5, C3H7,        C3H7, C3H7, N3, N3, CH3CN, CH3CN, HNCNH2, NCNH3, C2H5NH, C2H6N,        (CH3)2NH2, CH3CH2NH3, Li2O, CNO, NCO, SCN, BO2, BO2, N2O, N2O,        CO2, CO2, OCS, CS2, CS2, NO2, NO2, PO2, PO2, O3, O3, SO2, SO2,        S3, S3, SeO2, HCO2, HNNO, NNOH, HOCO, HNO2, O3H, SO2H, CH2CO,        H2COO, CH3CO, CH3CO, CH3OO, CH3OO, H2CONH2, C2H4OH, C2H4OH,        CH3CHOH, FCO, CF2, CF2, SiF2, CCl2, CCl2, ClOO, OClO, OClO, NF2,        SF2, SF2, F3, Cl3, HCCF, HFCO, CH2CHF, C4, C4H2, C2N2, HCCCN,        C3H3N, CH3NHN2, CH6N3, (CH3)3NH, C3H7NH3, CO3, NO3, NO3, SO3,        SO3, HCO3, C2H2O2, H2NO3, CH3COO, H3CO3, NH2CONH2, NH2COOH2,        NH3COOH, CH5N2O, H2NCOHNH2, CH3COCH3, CH3COHCH3, C2C12, BF3,        BF3, ClO3, CF3, CF3, SiF3, CCl3, CCl3, SiCl3, NF3, NF3, NF3H,        AsF3H, CH2C1CH2OH2, C5H5, C3H3N2, C4H4N, C4H6N, C4H6N, C4H6N,        NC4H12, C3O2, PO4, SO4, HSO4, C4H4O, C4H10O, ClO4, BF4, CCl4,        C2HF3, C6H5, C6H6, C6H7, C5H6N, C2O4, CF3CN, C2F4, SiF5, SF5,        C7H7, CF3COO, PF6, C6N4, ionic liquids    -   Cloud Point Temperature may be equivalents to CST, or LCST, or        UCST, or a combination thereof    -   Cloud Point Temperatures heating or LCST temperature or        combination thereof may include, but are not limited to, equal        to, greater than, or less than one or more or a combination of        the following: −100° C., or −90° C., or −80° C., or −70° C., or        −60° C., or −50° C., or −40° C., or −30° C., or −20° C., or −10°        C., 0° C., 1° C., 2° C., 3° C., 4° C., 5° C., 6° C., 7° C., 8°        C., 9° C., 10° C., 11° C., 12° C., 13° C., 14° C., 15° C., 16°        C., 17° C., 18° C., 19° C., 20° C., 21° C., 30° C., 40° C., 50°        C., 60° C., 70° C., 80° C., 90° C., 100° C., 110° C., 120° C.,        130° C., 140° C., 150° C., 140° C., 150° C., 200° C., 500° C.,        1000° C., 2000° C., 3000° C., 10000° C., 100000° C.    -   Cloud Point Temperatures cooling or UCST temperature or        combination thereof may include, but are not limited to, equal        to, greater than, or less than one or more or a combination of        the following: −100° C., or −90° C., or −80° C., or −70° C., or        −60° C., or −50° C., or −40° C., or −30° C., or −20° C., or −10°        C., 0° C., 1° C., 2° C., 3° C., 4° C., 5° C., 6° C., 7° C., 8°        C., 9° C., 10° C., 11° C., 12° C., 13° C., 14° C., 15° C., 16°        C., 17° C., 18° C., 19° C., 20° C., 21° C., 30° C., 40° C., 50°        C., 60° C., 70° C., 80° C., 90° C., 100° C., 110° C., 120° C.,        130° C., 140° C., 150° C., 140° C., 150° C., 200° C., 500° C.,        1000° C., 2000° C., 3000° C., 10000° C., 100000° C.    -   Absorption unit operations may include, but are not limited to,        one or more or a combination of the following: absorption        column, column, contactor, gas-liquid contactor, liquid-liquid        contactor, liquid solid contactor, membrane contactor, gas        membrane contactor, packed column, membrane column, plated        column, multistage column, solid handling column, liquid        handling column, multiphase column, rotating absorption unit,        kinetic motion absorption unit, stripping column, mixing vessel,        continuously stirred reactor, pressurization vessel,        depressurization vessel, multistage vessel, batch setup, mixing        of two or more phases, formation of more phases from less        phases, formation of less phases from relatively more phases,        heating vessel, cooling vessel, membrane absorption, membrane        selective absorption    -   Evaporator or desorption unit operations may include, but are        not limited to, one or more or a combination of the following:        column, contactor, gas-liquid contactor, membrane column,        membrane contactor, gas membrane contactor, packed column,        plated column, multistage column, multistage vessel, batch        setup, liquid-liquid contactor, liquid solid contactor, solid        handling column, liquid handling column, multiphase column,        rotating desorption unit, kinetic motion desorption unit,        stripping column, mixing vessel, continuously stirred reactor,        reboiler, depressurization vessel, pressurization vessel, flash        vessel, flash unit, multistage flash unit, mixing of two or more        phases, formation of more phases from less phases, formation of        less phases from relatively more phases, heating vessel, cooling        vessel, carrier gas stripping, steam stripping, air stripping,        recirculating gas stripping, stripping using one or more gases        being desorbed, ammonia stripping, membrane stripping, membrane        distillation, membrane selective absorption    -   One or more reagents may comprise hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons,        may include, but are not limited to, one or more or a        combination of the following: compound containing carbon,        compound containing hydrogen, compound containing oxygen,        compound containing nitrogen, compound containing sulfur,        saturated hydrocarbon, unsaturated hydrocarbon, cyclic        hydrocarbon, cyclo hydrocarbon, aromatic hydrocarbon, alkane,        alkene, alkyne, cycloalkane, alkadiene, polymers, halogenated        hydrocarbons, hydrocarbons with one or more functional groups,        one or more hydrocarbons in crude oil, one or more different        hydrocarbons in crude oil, one or more hydrocarbons in naphtha,        one or more hydrocarbons in gasoline, one or more hydrocarbons        in diesel, one or more hydrocarbons in heavy oil, one or more        hydrocarbons in natural gas, natural gas liquids, one or more        hydrocarbons in kerosene, organic solvents, light hydrocarbons,        heavy hydrocarbons, water insoluble hydrocarbons, partially        water soluble hydrocarbons, water soluble hydrocarbons, low        toxicity hydrocarbons, medium toxicity hydrocarbons, high        toxicity hydrocarbons, methane, Ethane, Ethene (ethylene),        Ethyne (acetylene), Propane, Propene (propylene), Propyne        (methylacetylene), Cyclopropane, Propadiene, Butane, Butene        (butylene), Butyne, Cyclobutane, Butadiene, Pentane, Pentene,        Pentyne, Cyclopentane, Pentadiene, (piperylene), Hexane, Hexene,        Hexyne, Cyclohexane, Hexadiene, Heptane, Heptene, Heptyne,        Cycloheptane, Heptadiene, Octane, Octene, Octyne, Cyclooctane,        Octadiene, hydrocarbon solution, hydrocarbon containing mixture    -   Superior properties for desorption or evaporation may include,        but are not limited to, one or more or a combination of the        following: higher equilibrium partial pressure of one or more        gases or different gases, lower equilibrium partial pressure of        one or more gases or different gases, faster desorption        kinetics, greater desorption of a desired gas relative to a less        desired gas, low viscosity, low volatility of other solvent        constituents, low relative volatility of other solvent        constituents, no degradation, no corrosion, minimal degradation,        minimal corrosion, compatibility with gas impurities, minimal        impurities in desorbed gases    -   Salts may include, but are not limited to, one or more or a        combination of the following: ionic compounds, ionic liquids,        anions, cations, complex salts, complex ions, compounds with        properties similar to salts, salts with properties dissimilar to        salts, alkali, alkaline-earth, transition metal, metal,        semiconductor, metalloids, ammonia, ammonium, amine, basic        compound, halogenated compound, sulfate, nitrate, carbonate,        hydrogen carbonate, carbamate, nitrite, sulfite, carbon        compound, sulfur compound, electrolyte, nitrogen compound,        phosphorous compound, phosphorous containing anion, halogen        containing anion    -   Some reagents may include, but are not limited to, Carbon        Dioxide (gas), Carbon Dioxide (liquid), Carbon Dioxide        (aqueous), Carbon Dioxide (solid), Carbon Dioxide (dissolved),        Carbon Dioxide (one or more ionic species), Carbon Dioxide (one        or more liquid phase species), Carbon Dioxide (solid mixture),        Carbon Dioxide (supercritical), Carbon Dioxide (Hydrate), Carbon        Dioxide (triple point), Acidic Reagent (gas), Acidic Reagent        (liquid), Acid Reagent (aqueous), Acidic Reagent Gas (Hydrate)        Acidic Reagent (solid), Acidic Reagent (dissolved), Acidic        Reagent (one or more ionic species), Acidic Reagent (one or more        liquid phase species), Acidic Reagent (solid mixture), Acid        Reagent (supercritical), Acidic Reagent (triple point), Basic        Compound (gas), Basic Compound (liquid), Basic Compound (solid),        Basic Compound (dissolved), Basic Compound (one or more ionic        species), Basic Compound (one or more liquid phase specific),        Basic Compound (solid mixture), Basic Compound (supercritical),        Basic Compound (hydrate), Basic Compound (triple point),        Hydrocarbon (gas), Hydrocarbon (liquid), Hydrocarbon (aqueous),        Hydrocarbon (dissolved), Hydrocarbon (non-aqueous), Hydrocarbon        (one or more ionic species), Hydrocarbon (one or more liquid        phase species), Hydrocarbon (solid), Hydrocarbon (solid        mixture), Hydrocarbon (supercritical), Hydrocarbon (Hydrate),        Hydrocarbon (triple point).    -   Viscosity is greater than, equal to, or less than 100,000 cP, or        10,000 cP, or 1,000 cP, or 500 cP, or 100 cP, or 50 cP, or 40        cP, or 30 cP, or 20 cP, or 10 cP, or 9 cP, or 8 cP, or 7 cP, or        6 cP, or 5 cP, or 4 cP, or 3 cP, or 2 cP, or 1 cP or 0.5 cP, or        combination thereof    -   Cooling Inputs or Sources may include, but are not limited to,        one or more or a combination of the following: thermocline water        body, thermocline liquid body, water body, cold liquid body,        evaporative cooling, heat pump cooling, air cooling, heat        exchange with enthalpy source, cyrogenic cooling, LNG        gasification, pressure reduction, cold surface, radiative        cooling, endothothermic phase change    -   Heating Inputs or Sources may include, but are not limited to,        one or more or a combination of the following: Waste Heat,        Ambient Temperature Changes, Diurnal Temperature Variation,        Thermocline liquid body, thermocline solid body, thermocline        gaseous body, Thermocline of a water body, halocline, heat pump,        solar thermal, solar thermal pond, light, electricity, steam,        combustion, compression, pressure increase, geothermal,        radiative heat, condensation, exothermic dissolution, exothermic        precipitation, exothermic formation of more liquid phases,        exothermic formation of less liquid phases, exothermic phase        change, or other heat sources described herein.    -   Temperatures: temperatures of operation or UCST or LCST or a        combination thereof may be greater than, less than, or equal to        or a combination thereof include, but are not limited to, one or        more or a combination of the following: −100° C., or −90° C., or        −80° C., or −70° C., or −60° C., or −50° C., or −40° C., or −30°        C., or −20° C., or −10° C., 0° C., 1° C., 2° C., 3° C., 4° C.,        5° C., 6° C., 7° C., 8° C., 9° C., 10° C., 11° C., 12° C., 13°        C., 14° C., 15° C., 16° C., 17° C., 18° C., 19° C., 20° C., 21°        C., 30° C., 40° C., 50° C., 60° C., 70° C., 80° C., 90° C., 100°        C., 110° C., 120° C., 130° C., 140° C., 150° C., 140° C., 150°        C., 200° C., 500° C., 1000° C., 2000° C., 3000° C., 10000° C.,        100000° C.    -   Mass percentages of one or more components comprise greater than        or less than or equal to one or more or a combination of the        following: 0.0000001%, 0.001%, 0.01%, 0.1%, 1%, or 5%, or 10%,        or 11%, or 12%, or 13%, or 14%, 15%, or 16%, or 17%, or 18%, or        19%, or 20%, or 21%, or 22%, or 23%, or 24%, or 25%, or 26%, or        27%, or 28%, or 29%, or 30%, or 31%, or 32%, or 33%, or 34%, or        35%, or 36%, or 37%, or 38%, or 39%, or 40%, or 41%, or 42%, or        43%, or 44%, or 45%, or 46%, or 47%, or 48%, or 49%, or 50%, or        51%, or 52%, or 53%, or 54%, or 55%, or 56%, or 57%, or 58%, or        59%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70%, or 75%, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or        95%, or less than or equal to 100%.    -   Relative mass distribution of one or more liquid phases may        include, but is not limited to, greater than or less than or        equal to one or more or a combination of the following:        0.0000001%, 0.001%, 0.01%, 0.1%, 1%, or 5%, or 10%, or 11%, or        12%, or 13%, or 14%, 15%, or 16%, or 17%, or 18%, or 19%, or        20%, or 21%, or 22%, or 23%, or 24%, or 25%, or 26%, or 27%, or        28%, or 29%, or 30%, or 31%, or 32%, or 33%, or 34%, or 35%, or        36%, or 37%, or 38%, or 39%, or 40%, or 41%, or 42%, or 43%, or        44%, or 45%, or 46%, or 47%, or 48%, or 49%, or 50%, or 51%, or        52%, or 53%, or 54%, or 55%, or 56%, or 57%, or 58%, or 59%, or        60%, or 65%, or 70%, or 75%, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or        less than or equal to 100%.    -   A ‘substantial’ concentration of one or more components (For        Example: reagents or reagents or solvents or antisolvents) may        include, but is not limited to, mass percentages of one or more        components comprising greater than or equal to one or more or a        combination of the following: 1%, or 5%, or 10%, or 11%, or 12%,        or 13%, or 14%, 15%, or 16%, or 17%, or 18%, or 19%, or 20%, or        21%, or 22%, or 23%, or 24%, or 25%, or 26%, or 27%, or 28%, or        29%, or 30%, or 31%, or 32%, or 33%, or 34%, or 35%, or 36%, or        37%, or 38%, or 39%, or 40%, or 41%, or 42%, or 43%, or 44%, or        45%, or 46%, or 47%, or 48%, or 49%, or 50%, or 51%, or 52%, or        53%, or 54%, or 55%, or 56%, or 57%, or 58%, or 59%, or 60%, or        65%, or 70%, or 75%, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or less        than or equal to 100%.    -   pH may be greater than or equal to or less than one or more or a        combination of the following: 1, or 2, or 3, or 4, or 5, or 6,        or 7, or 8, or 9, or 10, or 11, or 12, or 13, or 14    -   Separation Devices may include, but are not limited to, one or        more or a combination of the following: decanter, separatory        funnel, coalescer, centrifuge, filter, switchable solvent,        cyclone, semi-permeable membrane, nanofiltration, organic        solvent nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration,        microfiltration, hot nanofiltration, hot ultrafiltration,        distillation, membrane distillation, flash distillation,        multi-effect distillation, mechanical vapor compression        distillation, or hybrid systems

One or more reagents may comprise water, organic solvent, siloxanes,ionic liquids, water soluble polymer, soluble polymer, glycol,polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, ethers, glycol ethers, glycolether esters, triglyme, polyethylene glycols of multiple geometries,including, branched polyethylene glycols, star polyethylene glycols,comb polyethylene glycols, methoxypolyethylene glycol, polyvinylalcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylic Acid, diol polymers, 1,2propanediol, 1,2 ethanediol, 1,3 propanediol, cellulose ethers,methylcellulose, cellosize, carboxymethylcellulose,hydroxyethylcellulose, sugar alcohol, sugars, alcohols, ketones,aldehydes, esters, organosilicon compounds, halogenated solvents,non-volatile solvents, a reagent with a vapor pressure less than 0.01atm at 20° C., soluble reagents with a molecular weight greater than 80daltons, volatile organic solvents, soluble reagents with a molecularweight less than 600 daltons, soluble reagents with a molecular weightless than 200 daltons, dimethoxymethane, acetone, acetaldehyde,methanol, dimethyl ether, THF, ethanol, isopropanol, propanal, methylformate, azeotropes, alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, esters, organosiliconcompounds, halogenated solvents, a reagent with a vapor pressure greaterthan than 0.01 atm at 20° C., or a mixture thereof.

water, ammonia, ammonium, amine, azine, amino ethyl ethanol amine,2-amino-2-methylpropan-1-ol (AMP), MDEA, MEA, primary amine, secondaryamine, tertiary amine, low molecular weight primary or secondary amine,metal-ammine complex, metal-ammonia complex, metal-ammonium complex,sterically hindered amine, imines, azines, piperazine, alkali metal,lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, caesium, alkaline earth metal,calcium, magnesium, ionic liquid, thermally switchable compounds, CO₂switchable compounds, enzymes, metal-organic frameworks, quaternaryammonium, quaternary ammonium cations, quaternary ammonium cationsembedded in polymer, or mixtures thereof.

Soluble reagent may comprise, for example, water, organic solvent, watersoluble polymer, soluble polymer, glycol, polyethylene glycol,polypropylene glycol, ethers, glycol ethers, glycol ether esters,triglyme, polyethylene glycols of multiple geometries, including,branched polyethylene glycols, star polyethylene glycols, combpolyethylene glycols, methoxypolyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol,polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylic Acid, diol polymers, 1,2 propanediol,1,2 ethanediol, 1,3 propanediol, cellulose ethers, methylcellulose,cellosize, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, sugar alcohol,sugars, alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, esters, organosilicon compounds,halogenated solvents, non-volatile solvents, a reagent with a vaporpressure less than 0.01 atm at 20° C., soluble reagents with a molecularweight greater than 80 daltons, or mixtures thereof.

Useful membranes for at least partial recovery may include, for example,any membrane capable of at least partially rejecting said reagent whileallowing substantial passage of CO₂ containing solution or gascontaining solution or vice versa. Such membranes may comprise amembrane selected from the group consisting of Reverse Osmosis,Nanofiltration, Organic Solvent Nanofiltration, Ultrafiltration,Microfiltration, and Filtration membranes. In some embodiments themembrane may have a molecular weight cutoff of greater than about 80daltons. That is, the membrane allows passage of a substantial ormajority amount of components with a molecular weight of less than about80 daltons while rejecting a substantial or majority amount ofcomponents with a molecular weight of greater than about 80 daltons upto about 600 daltons. In the art, another definition of molecular weightcut-off may refer to the lowest molecular weight solute (in daltons) inwhich 90% of the solute is retained by the membrane, or the molecularweight of the molecule that is 90% retained by the membrane. Membraneswith a molecular weight cutoff of less than 1,000 daltons, or less than10,000 daltons, or less than 50,000 daltons, or less than 100,000daltons, or less than 200,000 daltons, or less than 500,000 daltons, orless than 1,000,000 daltons may also be useful depending upon thecircumstances and components employed.

The membrane may be comprised of any useful material and such usefulmaterial may vary depending upon the components to be separated, theirmolecular weight, viscosity, and/or other properties. Useful membranesmay include, for example, membranes comprised of a material selectedfrom a thin film composite; a polyamide; a cellulose acetate; a ceramicmembrane; other materials and combinations thereof.

One or more reagents may comprise, for example, one or more or acombination of the following: volatile organic solvents, solublereagents with a molecular weight less than 600 daltons, soluble reagentswith a molecular weight less than 200 daltons, dimethoxymethane,acetone, acetaldehyde, methanol, dimethyl ether, THF, ethanol,isopropanol, propanal, methyl formate, azeotropes, alcohols, ketones,aldehydes, esters, organosilicon compounds, halogenated solvents, areagent with a vapor pressure greater than 0.01 atm at 20° C., or amixture thereof.

One or more embodiments may employ a membrane with a molecular weightcut-off, which may include but not limited to, less than any of thefollowing: 250 da, or 200 da, or 150 da, or 125 da, or 100 da, or 95 da,or 90 da, or 85 da, or 80 da, or 75 da

Multicomponent separation devices or multistage separation devices maybe employed. Said device or devices may include, but are not limited to,one or more or a combination of the following: binary distillation,azeotrope distillation, membrane distillation, mechanical vaporcompression, hybrid systems, flash distillation, multistage flashdistillation, multieffect distillation, extractive distillation,switchable solvent, reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, organic solventnanofiltration, ultrafiltration, and microfiltration. For example, sucha hybrid system may involve at least partially recovering the solublereagent using nanofiltration and then further concentrating the solublereagent using membrane distillation. Another example of such a hybridsystem may be a process wherein a switchable solvent ‘switches’ out ofsolution due to the presence of a stimulant, such as a change intemperature, then nanofiltration is employed to further concentrate theswitchable solvent or remove remaining switchable solvent in othersolution. The switchable solvent or other reagent dissolved in solutionmay be further recovered or concentrated or even removed from the one ormore layers or separate solutions that are formed.

Applied Pressure or Osmotic Pressure of Solution: The osmotic pressurerange of a solution may be as low as 0.001 atm to as great as 1,000,000atm. The osmotic pressure may be as low as less than any of thefollowing: 0.001 atm, or 0.01 atm, or greater than or less than 0.05atm, or 0.1 atm, or 0.2 atm, or 0.3 atm, or 0.4 atm, or 0.5 atm or 0.6atm, or 0.7 atm, or 0.8 atm, or 0.9 atm, or 1 atm, or 1.1 atm, or 1.2atm, or 1.3 atm, or 1.4 atm, or 1.5 atm, or 1.6 atm, or 1.7 atm, or 1.8atm, or 1.9 atm, or 2 atm, or 2.1 atm, or 2.2 atm, or 2.3 atm, or 2.4atm, or 2.5 atm, or 2.6 atm, or 2.7 atm, or 2.8 atm, or 2.9 atm, or 3atm, or 3.5 atm, or 4 atm, or 4.5 atm, or 5 atm, or 5.5 atm, or 6 atm,or 6.5 atm, or 7 atm, or 7.5 atm, or 8 atm, or 8.5 atm, or 9 atm, or 9.5atm, or 10 atm, or 12 atm, or 15 atm, or 18 atm, or 20 atm, or 22 atm,or 25 atm, or 28 atm, or 30 atm, or 35 atm, or 40 atm, or 45 atm, or 50atm, or 55 atm, or 60 atm, or 65 atm, or 70 atm, or 75 atm, or 80 atm,or 85 atm, or 90 atm, or 95 atm, or 100 atm, or 150 atm, or 200 atm, or500 atm, or 1,000 atm, or 10,000 atm, or 100,000 atm, or less than1,000,000 atm, or pure solvent.

Using waste heat or chilling to accelerate or facilitate one or moresteps and other hybrid waste heat and membrane recovery processcombinations may be employed

Solid precipitation and dissolution may occur in one or moreembodiments, which may include as a results of including, but notlimited to, due to changes in concentrations, concentrations, dissolvedgas concentrations, pressures, temperature, other system conditions, orcombinations thereof.

One or more separation devices or techniques or methods, may include,but not limited to, one or more or a combination of the following:filtration, centrifuge, decanting, distillation, magnetism, and/ormembrane based process, such as reverse osmosis, osmotically assistedreverse osmosis, disc tube reverse osmosis (DTRO), high pressure reverseosmosis, forward osmosis, electrodialysis, nanofiltration, organicsolvent nanofiltration ultrafiltration, membrane distillation,integrated electric-field nanofiltration, hot nanofiltration, or hotultrafiltration.

LISTING OF FURTHER EMBODIMENTS

Representative Cloud Point Embodiments

1. A composition comprising:

water;

a CST reagent; and

a low solubility reagent;

wherein said low solubility reagent has limited solubility in a solutionconsisting of water and CST reagent below a cloud point temperature andhas miscible solubility in a solution consisting of water and CSTreagent above a cloud point temperature.

2. The composition of embodiment 1 wherein the cloud point temperatureof the composition changes based on the concentration of CST reagent inthe composition.

3. The composition of embodiment 1 wherein the cloud point temperatureof the composition decreases with increasing concentration of CSTreagent.

4. The composition of embodiment 1 wherein the cloud point temperatureof the composition increases with decreasing concentration of CSTreagent.

5. The composition of embodiment 1 further comprising one or more salts.

6. The composition of embodiment 5 wherein the cloud point temperatureof the composition increases with increasing concentration of one ormore salts.

7. The composition of embodiment 5 wherein the cloud point temperatureof the composition decreases with decreasing concentration of one ormore salts.

8. The composition of embodiment 1 wherein the CST reagent comprises areagent which exhibits decreasing osmotic pressure with increasingtemperature in a solution consisting of water and said CST reagent.

9. The composition of embodiment 1 wherein the CST reagent comprises areagent which possesses greater affinity for said low solubility reagentrelative to water with increasing temperature.

10. The composition of embodiment 1 wherein said low solubility reagentcomprises a reagent with limited solubility in water alone

11. The composition of embodiment 1 wherein said low solubility reagentcomprises a reagent with miscible solubility in the CST reagent.

12. The composition of embodiment 1 wherein the CST reagent comprises‘polymer’, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether, Polypropylene Glycol,Polyethylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol n-Butyl Ether (DPnB),Tri(propylene glycol) butyl ether mixture of isomers (TPnB), Propyleneglycol n-butyl ether (PnB), Dipropylene Glycol n-Propyl Ether (DPnP),Diethylene Glycol Monohexyl Ether (D-Hex n-hexyl ether), Propyleneglycol propyl ether (PnP), 2-Butoxyethanol (EB Butyl Glycol), PPG 425,PPG 725, PPG 1000, PEGDME 250, PEGDME 500, PEG 1000, PEG 600, PEG 400,PEG 200, or a mixture thereof.13. The composition of embodiment 1 wherein the low solubility reagentcomprises an organic solvent.14. The composition of embodiment 1 wherein the low solubility reagentcomprises Ethylene Glycol Diacetate, Propylene Glycol Diacetate,Dipropylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether (DPE), 2-Heptanone, Propylene glycolmonomethyl ether acetate, Propylene Carbonate, Cyclohexanone, 1-Octanol,Dipropylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate, 1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidinone,Ethylene glycol monohexyl ether, Acetal (1,1-Diethoxyethane), Isoamylacetate, Dibutyl ether, m-Xylene, Isopropyl acetate, Dimethyl carbonate,Butanone, Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), o-Xylene, Acetylacetone,p-Xylene, Methyl Isobutyl Ketone, Toluene, 3-Pentanone, Propyl acetate,Ethylene glycol monopropyl ether, 2-Methoxyethyl acetate,5-Methyl-2-hexanone, 4-Methyl-2-pentanone, 3-Pentanone, 2-Pentanone,2-methyl tetrahydrofuran, a reagent which is a liquid or gas orsupercritical fluid at room temperature, or a mixture thereof.15. The composition of embodiment 1 wherein the low solubility reagentcomprises ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, methyl formate, dimethyl ether,diethyl ether, dimethoxymethane, diethoxymethane, a reagent which is aliquid or gas or supercritical fluid at room temperature, carbondioxide, supercritical carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, refrigerant,volatile hydrocarbon, volatile fluorocarbon, or a mixture thereof 16.The composition of embodiment 1 wherein the composition has a viscosityless than 50 cP at room temperature.17. The composition of embodiment 1 wherein the cloud point temperatureof the composition is from about −10 to about 110° C. depending upon theconcentration of CST reagent in the composition.18. A UCST process for heating or cooling comprising:

-   -   1) phase transitioning a liquid phase into two or more liquid        phases to release heat;    -   2) separating at least a portion of each of said two or more        liquid phases into separate streams; and    -   3) mixing and dissolving said separate streams to foil a single        liquid phase solution to absorb heat.        19. The process of embodiment 18 wherein said phase        transitioning is conducted at a temperature greater than the        temperature of an application of heating or less than the        temperature of an application of cooling.        20. The process of embodiment 18 wherein a temperature of phase        transitioning is adjusted to ensure it is greater than the        temperature one or more heating applications or less than the        temperature of one or more heat sources in need of cooling.        21. The process of embodiment 18 wherein the liquid phase        comprises:        water; a CST reagent; and a low solubility reagent having a        limited solubility in a solution consisting of water and CST        reagent below a cloud point temperature and having a miscible        solubility in a solution consisting of water and CST reagent        above a cloud point temperature.        22. A LCST process for heating or cooling comprising:    -   1) phase transitioning a liquid phase into two or more liquid        phases to absorb heat;    -   2) separating at least a portion of each of said two or more        liquid phases into separate streams; and    -   3) mixing and dissolving said separate streams to form a single        liquid phase solution to release heat.        23. The process of embodiment 22 wherein said phase        transitioning is conducted at a temperature greater than the        temperature of an application of heating or less than the        temperature of an application of cooling.        24. The process of embodiment 22 wherein a temperature of phase        transitioning is adjusted to ensure it is greater than the        temperature one or more heating applications or less than the        temperature of one or more heat sources in need of cooling.        25. The process of embodiment 22 wherein the liquid phase        comprises a critical solution temperature (CST) reagent, an LCST        reducing reagent, and water.        26. The process of embodiment 25 wherein said phase        transitioning temperature is adjusted by increasing or        decreasing the concentration of LCST reducing reagent.        27. The process of embodiment 22 which further comprises        employing an LCST binder reagent which has miscible solubility        in CST reagent and has limited solubility in water.        28. The process of embodiment 27 wherein said phase        transitioning temperature is adjusted by increasing or        decreasing the concentration of one or more LCST binder        reagents.        Representative Refrigeration Embodiments        1. A liquid phase refrigeration or heat pump cycle process with        a liquid system wherein the process comprises:    -   1) absorbing heat by mixing two or more liquid phases        endothermically in a phase transition; and    -   2) releasing heat exothermically by transforming a liquid phase        into two or more liquid phases in a phase transition; and    -   3) adjusting the phase transition temperature such that the        phase transition temperature of step 1) is different than the        phase transition temperature of step 2).        2. The process of Embodiment 1 wherein said liquid system        comprises (1) an absorption solution comprising a critical        solution temperature (CST) reagent and a UCST solvent; and (2) a        reagent with limited solubility in UCST reagent that is        substantially miscible with said absorption solution above an        upper critical solution temperature and has limited solubility        with said absorption solution below the upper critical solution        temperature and wherein said adjusting comprises changing the        concentration of said CST reagent with respect to the UCST        solvent.        3. The process of Embodiment 1 wherein said adjusting step        employs a membrane.        4. The process of Embodiment 2 wherein said CST reagent exhibits        decreasing osmotic pressure with increasing temperature in a        solution consisting of water and said CST reagent.        5. The process of Embodiment 2 wherein said CST reagent is        selected from the group consisting of Polyethylene Glycol        Dimethyl Ether, Polypropylene Glycol, Polyethylene Glycol,        Dipropylene Glycol n-Butyl Ether (DPnB), Tri(propylene glycol)        butyl ether mixture of isomers (TPnB), Propylene glycol n-butyl        ether (PnB), Dipropylene Glycol n-Propyl Ether (DPnP),        Diethylene Glycol Monohexyl Ether (D-Hex n-hexyl ether),        Propylene glycol propyl ether (PnP), 2-Butoxyethanol (EB Butyl        Glycol), PPG 425, PPG 725, PPG 1000, PEGDME 250, PEGDME 500, PEG        1000, PEG 600, PEG 400, PEG 200.        6. The process of Embodiment 1 wherein the process is        reversible.        7. The process of Embodiment 1 which further comprises repeating        step 1), step 2), step 3) or all steps.        8. A liquid phase refrigeration or heat pump cycle process with        a liquid system wherein the process comprises:        1) releasing heat by mixing two or more liquid phases        exothermically in a phase transition; and 2) absorbing heat        endothermically by transforming a liquid phase into two or more        liquid phases in a phase transition; and        3) adjusting the phase transition temperature such that the        phase transition temperature of step 1) is different than the        phase transition temperature of step 2).        9. The process of Embodiment 8 wherein said phased system        comprises a critical solution temperature (CST) reagent, an LCST        reducing reagent, and water and wherein said adjusting comprises        removing substantially all of said LCST reducing reagent before        or during step 1) and introducing said LCST reducing reagent        before or during step 2).        10. The process of Embodiment 9 wherein said adjusting step        employs a membrane for removing substantially all of said LCST        reducing reagent before or during step 1) thereby forming a        concentrate suitable for use to introduce LCST reducing reagent        before step 2).        11. The process of Embodiment 9 wherein said CST reagent        exhibits decreasing osmotic pressure with increasing temperature        in a solution consisting of water and said CST reagent.        12. The process of Embodiment 9 wherein said CST reagent is        selected from the group consisting of Polyethylene Glycol        Dimethyl Ether, Polypropylene Glycol, Polyethylene Glycol,        Dipropylene Glycol n-Butyl Ether (DPnB), Tri(propylene glycol)        butyl ether mixture of isomers (TPnB), Propylene glycol n-butyl        ether (PnB), Dipropylene Glycol n-Propyl Ether (DPnP),        Diethylene Glycol Monohexyl Ether (D-Hex n-hexyl ether),        Propylene glycol propyl ether (PnP), 2-Butoxyethanol (EB Butyl        Glycol), PPG 425, PPG 725, PPG 1000, PEGDME 250, PEGDME 500, PEG        1000, PEG 600, PEG 400, PEG 200.        13. The process of Embodiment 8 wherein the process is        reversible.        14. The process of Embodiment 8 which further comprises        repeating step 1), step 2), step 3) or all steps.        15. The process of embodiment 9 which further comprises a binder        reagent which is substantially miscible with the CST reagent and        has limited solubility in water.        16, The process of Embodiment 15 wherein the binder reagent        comprises Ethylene Glycol Diacetate, Propylene Glycol Diacetate,        Dipropylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether (DPE), 2-Heptanone, Propylene        glycol monomethyl ether acetate, Propylene Carbonate,        Cyclohexanone, 1-Octanol, Dipropylene Glycol Methyl Ether        Acetate, 1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, Ethylene glycol monohexyl        ether, Acetal (1,1-Diethoxyethane), Isoamyl acetate, Dibutyl        ether, m-Xylene, Isopropyl acetate, Dimethyl carbonate,        Butanone, Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), o-Xylene,        Acetylacetone, p-Xylene, Methyl Isobutyl Ketone, Toluene,        3-Pentanone, Propyl acetate, Ethylene glycol monopropyl ether,        2-Methoxyethyl acetate, 5-Methyl-2-hexanone,        4-Methyl-2-pentanone, 3-Pentanone, 2-Pentanone, 2-methyl        tetrahydrofuran, or a mixture thereof.        17. The process of Embodiment 1 wherein the UCST solvent is        water.        18. The process of Embodiment 9 wherein the LCST reducing agent        is selected from a salt, glycerol, urea, and mixtures thereof.        19. A composition for refrigeration comprising:

an absorption solution comprising water and a critical solutiontemperature (CST) reagent; and

a reagent with limited solubility in water that is substantiallymiscible with said absorption solution above an upper critical solutiontemperature and has limited solubility with said absorption solutionbelow the upper critical solution temperature.

20. The composition of Embodiment 19 wherein said CST reagent exhibitsdecreasing osmotic pressure with increasing temperature in a solutionconsisting of water and said CST reagent.

21. The composition of Embodiment 19 wherein said CST reagent isselected from the group consisting of Polyethylene Glycol DimethylEther, Polypropylene Glycol, Polyethylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycoln-Butyl Ether (DPnB), Tri(propylene glycol) butyl ether mixture ofisomers (TPnB), Propylene glycol n-butyl ether (PnB), Dipropylene Glycoln-Propyl Ether (DPnP), Diethylene Glycol Monohexyl Ether (D-Hex n-hexylether), Propylene glycol propyl ether (PnP), 2-Butoxyethanol (EB ButylGlycol), PPG 425, PPG 725, PPG 1000, PEGDME 250, PEGDME 500, PEG 1000,PEG 600, PEG 400, PEG 200.22. The composition of Embodiment 19 wherein said reagent with low watersolubility comprises a volatile reagent.23. The composition of Embodiment 19 wherein said reagent with low watersolubility comprises ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, methyl formate,dimethyl ether, diethyl ether, dimethoxymethane, diethoxymethane, carbondioxide, supercritical carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, a refrigerant, ahydrocarbon, a fluorocarbon, or a mixture thereof.24. An absorption refrigeration cycle process comprising:

forming a liquid system comprising (1) an absorption solution thatcomprises a lower critical solution temperature reagent, a lowercritical solution temperature binder reagent, or a combination thereofand (2) a refrigerant comprising a solvent reagent and a LCST reducingreagent; and

forming two or more liquid phases due to a LCST phase transition whereinone liquid phase comprises an absorption solution comprising a lowercritical solution temperature reagent, a lower critical solutiontemperature binder reagent, or a combination thereof and wherein anotherliquid phase comprises a refrigerant liquid phase comprising a solventreagent and a LCST reducing reagent.

25. The process of embodiment 24 wherein said two or more liquid phasesare at least partially separated.

26. The process of embodiment 24 further comprising evaporating saidrefrigerant in a heat absorbing step and absorbing said refrigerant intosaid absorption solution in a heat releasing step thereby forming anabsorption solution—refrigerant solution.

27. The process of embodiment 26 wherein subsequent to evaporating asolution comprising at least a portion of said LCST reducing reagentremains.

28. The process of embodiment 27 further comprising mixing said solutioncomprising at least a portion of said LCST reducing reagent withabsorption solution or the remainder of the liquid system.

29. The process of embodiment 24 wherein the refrigerant compriseswater, ammonia, an amine, ethyl amine, methyl amine, an alcohol, a watersoluble volatile reagent, a volatile reagent with greater solubility inwater than CST reagent, or a mixture thereof.30. The process of embodiment 24 wherein said LCST reducing reagentcomprises a salt, a reagent soluble in solvent and substantiallyinsoluble in CST reagent, a reagent soluble in solvent and substantiallyinsoluble in LCST binder reagent, ionic compounds, anions, cations,complex salts, complex ions, compounds with properties similar to salts,salts with properties dissimilar to salts, alkali, alkaline earth,transition metal, metal, semiconductor, metalloids, sodium, potassium,calcium, ammonia, ammonium, amine, basic compound, halogenated compound,sulfate, nitrate, carbonate, hydrogen carbonate, carbamate, nitrite,sulfite, carbon compound, fluoride, sulfur compound, electrolyte,nitrogen compound, phosphorous compound, phosphorous containing anion,halogen containing anion, and mixtures thereof.

FURTHER REPRESENTATIVE EMBODIMENTS

1. A composition comprising:

water;

a CST reagent; and

a low solubility reagent;

wherein said low solubility reagent has limited solubility in a solutionconsisting of water and a critical solution temperature (CST) reagentbelow a cloud point temperature and has miscible solubility in asolution consisting of water and CST reagent above a cloud pointtemperature.

2. A composition for refrigeration comprising:

an absorption solution comprising water and a critical solutiontemperature (CST) reagent; and a reagent with limited solubility inwater that is substantially miscible with said absorption solution abovean upper critical solution temperature and has limited solubility withsaid absorption solution below the upper critical solution temperature.

3. The composition of Embodiments 1 or 2 wherein the CST reagentcomprises (1) a reagent which exhibits decreasing osmotic pressure withincreasing temperature in a solution consisting of water and said CSTreagent or (2) a reagent which possesses greater affinity for said lowsolubility reagent relative to water with increasing temperature.4. The composition of Embodiments 1 or 2 wherein the CST reagentcomprises ‘polymer’, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether, PolypropyleneGlycol, Polyethylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol n-Butyl Ether (DPnB),Tri(propylene glycol) butyl ether mixture of isomers (TPnB), Propyleneglycol n-butyl ether (PnB), Dipropylene Glycol n-Propyl Ether (DPnP),Diethylene Glycol Monohexyl Ether (D-Hex n-hexyl ether), Propyleneglycol propyl ether (PnP), 2-Butoxyethanol (EB Butyl Glycol), PPG 425,PPG 725, PPG 1000, PEGDME 250, PEGDME 500, PEG 1000, PEG 600, PEG 400,PEG 200, or a mixture thereof.5. The composition of Embodiments 1 or 2 wherein (1) the cloud pointtemperature of the composition changes over a range of from about 0 toabout 100° C. based on the concentration of CST reagent in thecomposition, or (2) the composition has a viscosity of less than 50 cPat room temperature; or (3) both (1) and (2).6. The composition of Embodiments 1 or 2 wherein said reagent withlimited solubility in water comprises a volatile reagent, non-volatilereagent, ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, methyl formate, dimethyl ether,diethyl ether, dimethoxymethane, diethoxymethane, carbon dioxide,supercritical carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, a refrigerant, ahydrocarbon, a fluorocarbon, an organic solvent, Ethylene GlycolDiacetate, Propylene Glycol Diacetate, Dipropylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether(DPE), 2-Heptanone, Propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, PropyleneCarbonate, Cyclohexanone, 1-Octanol, Dipropylene Glycol Methyl EtherAcetate, 1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, Ethylene glycol monohexyl ether,Acetal (1,1-Diethoxyethane), Isoamyl acetate, Dibutyl ether, m-Xylene,Isopropyl acetate, Dimethyl carbonate, Butanone, Methyl tert-butyl ether(MTBE), o-Xylene, Acetylacetone, p-Xylene, Methyl Isobutyl Ketone,Toluene, 3-Pentanone, Propyl acetate, Ethylene glycol monopropyl ether,2-Methoxyethyl acetate, 5-Methyl-2-hexanone, 4-Methyl-2-pentanone,3-Pentanone, 2-Pentanone, 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran, a reagent which is aliquid or gas or supercritical fluid at room temperature, or a mixturethereof.7. The composition of embodiments 1 or 2 further comprising one or moresalts.8. A UCST process for heating or cooling comprising:

-   -   1) phase transitioning a liquid phase into two or more liquid        phases to release heat;    -   2) separating at least a portion of each of said two or more        liquid phases into separate streams; and    -   3) mixing and dissolving said separate streams to form a single        liquid phase solution to absorb heat;        wherein the liquid phase comprises water; a CST reagent; and a        low solubility reagent having a limited solubility in a solution        consisting of water and CST reagent below a cloud point        temperature and having a miscible solubility in a solution        consisting of water and CST reagent above a cloud point        temperature.        9. A LCST process for heating or cooling comprising:    -   1) phase transitioning a liquid phase into two or more liquid        phases to absorb heat;    -   2) separating at least a portion of each of said two or more        liquid phases into separate streams; and    -   3) mixing and dissolving said separate streams to form a single        liquid phase solution to release heat;        wherein the liquid phase comprises a critical solution        temperature (CST) reagent, an LCST reducing or binding reagent,        and water.        10. The process of Embodiments 8 or 9 wherein said phase        transitioning is conducted at a temperature greater than the        temperature of an application of heating or less than the        temperature of an application of cooling.        11. A liquid phase refrigeration or heat pump cycle process with        a liquid system wherein the process comprises:        1) absorbing heat by mixing two or more liquid phases        endothermically in a phase transition; and        2) releasing heat exothermically by transforming a liquid phase        into two or more liquid phases in a phase transition; and        3) adjusting the phase transition temperature such that the        phase transition temperature of step 1) is different than the        phase transition temperature of step 2);        wherein said liquid system comprises (1) an absorption solution        comprising a critical solution temperature (CST) reagent and a        UCST solvent; and (2) a reagent that is substantially miscible        with said absorption solution above an upper critical solution        temperature and has limited solubility with said absorption        solution below the upper critical solution temperature and        wherein said adjusting comprises changing the concentration of        said CST reagent with respect to the UCST solvent.        12. A liquid phase refrigeration or heat pump cycle process with        a liquid system wherein the process comprises:        1) releasing heat by mixing two or more liquid phases        exothermically in a phase transition; and        2) absorbing heat endothermically by transforming a liquid phase        into two or more liquid phases in a phase transition; and        3) adjusting the phase transition temperature such that the        phase transition temperature of step 1) is different than the        phase transition temperature of step 2);        wherein said liquid system comprises a critical solution        temperature (CST) reagent, an LCST reducing reagent, and water        and wherein said adjusting comprises removing substantially all        of said LCST reducing reagent before or during step 1) and        introducing said LCST reducing reagent before or during step 2).        13. The process of Embodiments 11 or 12 wherein said CST reagent        exhibits decreasing osmotic pressure with increasing temperature        in a solution consisting of water and said CST reagent.        14. The process of Embodiments 11 or 12 or 13 wherein said CST        reagent comprises Polyethylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether,        Polypropylene Glycol, Polyethylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol        n-Butyl Ether (DPnB), Tri(propylene glycol) butyl ether mixture        of isomers (TPnB), Propylene glycol n-butyl ether (PnB),        Dipropylene Glycol n-Propyl Ether (DPnP), Diethylene Glycol        Monohexyl Ether (D-Hex n-hexyl ether), Propylene glycol propyl        ether (PnP), 2-Butoxyethanol (EB Butyl Glycol), PPG 425, PPG        725, PPG 1000, PEGDME 250, PEGDME 500, PEG 1000, PEG 600, PEG        400, PEG 200, or mixtures thereof.        15. An absorption refrigeration cycle process comprising:

forming a liquid system comprising (1) an absorption solution thatcomprises a lower critical solution temperature reagent, a lowercritical solution temperature binder reagent, or a combination thereofand (2) a refrigerant comprising a solvent reagent and a LCST reducingreagent; and

forming two or more liquid phases due to a LCST phase transition whereinone liquid phase comprises an absorption solution comprising a lowercritical solution temperature reagent, a lower critical solutiontemperature binder reagent, or a combination thereof and wherein anotherliquid phase comprises a refrigerant liquid phase comprising a solventreagent and a LCST reducing reagent.

What is claimed is:
 1. A UCST process for heating or coolingcomprising: 1) phase transitioning a liquid phase into two or moreliquid phases to release heat; 2) separating at least a portion of eachof said two or more liquid phases into separate streams; and 3) mixingand dissolving said separate streams to form a single liquid phasesolution to absorb heat.
 2. The process of claim 1 wherein said phasetransitioning is conducted at a temperature greater than the temperatureof an application of heating or less than the temperature of anapplication of cooling.
 3. The process of claim 1 wherein a temperatureof phase transitioning is adjusted to ensure it is greater than thetemperature one or more heating applications or less than thetemperature of one or more heat sources in need of cooling.
 4. Theprocess of claim 1 wherein the liquid phase comprises: water; a CSTreagent; and a low solubility reagent having a limited solubility in asolution consisting of water and CST reagent below a cloud pointtemperature and having a miscible solubility in a solution consisting ofwater and CST reagent above a cloud point temperature.
 5. A LCST processfor heating or cooling comprising: 1) phase transitioning a liquid phaseinto two or more liquid phases to absorb heat; 2) separating at least aportion of each of said two or more liquid phases into separate streams;and 3) mixing and dissolving said separate streams to form a singleliquid phase solution to release heat.
 6. The process of claim 5 whereinsaid phase transitioning is conducted at a temperature greater than thetemperature of an application of heating or less than the temperature ofan application of cooling.
 7. The process of claim 5 wherein atemperature of phase transitioning is adjusted to ensure it is greaterthan the temperature one or more heating applications or less than thetemperature of one or more heat sources in need of cooling.
 8. Theprocess of claim 5 wherein the liquid phase comprises a criticalsolution temperature (CST) reagent, a LCST reducing reagent, and water.9. The process of claim 8 wherein said phase transitioning temperatureis adjusted by increasing or decreasing the concentration of LCSTreducing reagent.
 10. The process of claim 5 which further comprisesemploying an LCST binder reagent which has miscible solubility in CSTreagent and has limited solubility in water.
 11. The process of claim 10wherein said phase transitioning temperature is adjusted by increasingor decreasing the concentration of one or more LCST binder reagents.